Sport has the power to bring people together, and on some occasions, it can be far more than just a game. A Tournament for Emily, a long-standing event in the Lower Mainland basketball community since 2004, is set to take place again for the first time since 2019. The tournament is named in memory of Emily Inglis, who passed away from cancer at the age of 12 before she could attend Riverside. Since its inception, the tournament has raised $95,551 for the Children’s Hospital.
For over two decades, the best senior girls’ basketball teams in British Columbia have competed to honour Emily’s memory, and the class of 24′ will have the opportunity to do the same. This season, teams such as Seaquam, Argyle, Brookswood, and the Okanagan Mission Huskies will be participating, as well as out-of-province teams such as Alberta’s Raymond High and Manitoba’s Vincent Massey, showcasing the reach and impact that Emily Inglis has had on the community and the sport.
Paul Langford, head coach of the Riverside Rapids Senior Girls Basketball Team, is excited about the tournament’s return and the positive impact it has had in the nearly twenty years since its inception. “Covid put a halt to our tournament, so it’s great to revive it in 2023. The tournament features great high school girls’ basketball and raises money for the B.C. Children’s Hospital. We have most of the top teams in BC, as well as the number one team in Alberta, Raymond High and the number two team in Manitoba, Vincent Massey. So expect three days of great basketball.”
The upcoming Tournament will feature some exciting matchups, including a clash between the defending champions of Alberta and British Columbia, the Riverside Rapids and Raymond High. Another highly anticipated game will be between the top two 2A teams, Mulgrave and Langley Christian.
These programs have a reputation for dominance, thanks in part to their talented players such as Avery Sussex from Riverside, who has signed on with UC Davis, Jordy Nohr from Brookswood, U15 MVP at the National Tournament, and Eva Ruse from Mulgrave, who has recently signed with USD.
Emily is remembered through the girls who play the game in her honour and those who attend the games to support her. The Inglis family would say, “Emily will always be remembered by her family, friends, and because of this special event, even by people who never had the chance to meet her. We would like to thank everyone involved in this tournament for all their hard work in making it such a success. The donations made make a difference to other kids facing difficult challenges.”
Admission to the tournament is by donation, and all proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital. The tournament starts on Wednesday, December 20th.
If you’re a basketball fan or simply looking to support a great cause, attending A Tournament for Emily is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
