In 2016, the John Dumont Alumni Basketball Tournament tipped off and began a celebrated legacy. A legacy that has given back to the community and encapsulates Dumont’s unrelenting passion for the game.
Dumont’s star shined bright at Vancouver College and UBC, his game captivated the local community, and his influence on the game remains prevalent.
Tip-Off…
In 2016 Vancouver College put on a three-on-three tournament in Dumont’s honour. Two hundred players registered to play, and play they did as kids and adults tore up the gym in John’s honour.
That same day friends and family gathered to support John and would share stories and pass on messages. Although Dumont wouldn’t be in the gym that day, his presence was felt as the players on the court brought that same hustle and energy that was a staple of his game.
Reflecting on that tournament, John’s eldest son Jack Cruz-Dumont stated that “It had that community spirit of coming together, helping families and having a reunion feeling.”
That year, Dumont passed away after a battle with cancer and in his passing, he left behind a remarkable career and instilled a fire and passion in the Vancouver College community.
Since that initial John Dumont Classic, funds raised were donated to a family in the community that was battling cancer, a situation that resonated with the Cruz-Dumont family.
The John Dumont Foundation has already raised tens of thousands for families, and the hope is to one day grow the foundation.
“We want to expand the tournament and foundation into more, but it will always have the theme of supporting the community and bringing families together,” said Jack.
Moving Forward…
Following the pandemic, the John Dumont Classic has remained at Vancouver College as an alumni tournament in Dumont’s honour. From 2017 to 2019, the John Dumont Classic blossomed into a multi-division event held at the Richmond Oval for boys and girls. The focus now is to return to the Oval and put on an event for all ages to attend and participate.
“Originally 2016 to 2020, the tournament was open to the public of all ages and divisions, but COVID shut down the tournament. We brought it back through the Alumni tournament, and one day we want to bring back a public tournament in some capacity,” said Jack.
The John Dumont Classic’s legacy moves forward with his wife Trixie and three sons, Jack, Hunter and Cole, who have all gone on to play college-level basketball, a destination that was always the goal for the three.
“It was always our goal, and It’s a journey we started with our dad. He sparked that love for the game in us since a young age, and it never stopped,” said Jack.
The 2023 John Dumont Classic takes place May 6th at Vancouver College, and as always is a night for family and basketball.
