The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday a community partnership with the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA). The partnership seeks to grow and develop the game of basketball in the National Capital Region.
Since their launch in 2019, the Ottawa BlackJacks have been committed to supporting local basketball clubs and organizations. Through this partnership, the BlackJacks and the EOBA will align their community-based efforts to offer more developmental opportunities to local players and coaches, while celebrating the achievements of local basketball clubs and organizations.
Through recreational and competitive leagues and programs that promote meaningful competition and a staged-appropriate to athlete development, the EOBA will support delivery of the BlackJacks’ community basketball programing at the local level. The activities planned under the partnership include: a Spring/Summer 3x3 basketball series, culminating with the Annual Outdoor BlackJacks 3x3 Tournament in Lansdowne Park; coaching clinics for local basketball coaches; fundraising opportunities for clubs and various group experiences on the BlackJacks’ court at The Arena at TD Place.
Team presidents, coaches, parents and players are invited to contact the BlackJacks at
community@theblackjacks.ca or to join the BlackJacks’ Community Basketball mailing list now at
https://www.theblackjacks.ca/community-basketball to be the first to hear about the BlackJacks community initiatives and unique opportunities.
The Eastern Ontario Basketball Association is a co-operative of over 20 local youth basketball clubs ranging from Ottawa-Gatineau to Cornwall to Coben to Belleville. The EOBA creates opportunities for youth in the National Capital Region, and beyond, to enjoy the game of basketball in a safe environment that fosters the values of excellence, teamwork, and respect.
Earlier this week, the Ottawa BlackJacks announced their 2023 regular season schedule, consisting of 20 games, beginning May 24. Ottawa will play 10 home games at The Arena at TD Place in historic Lansdowne Park. The schedule is highlighted by five home games on Thursday nights, the most of any day in the week.
Fans can now purchase 2023 BlackJacks season seat memberships and Flex Packs at
theblackjacks.ca/tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at
ticketing@theblackjacks.ca.
“Working with the EOBA is a pilar of the BlackJacks community strategy. They represent passionate athletes, players, volunteers, and families who are at the heart of BlackJacks basketball. We look forward to creating a sustainable partnership that provides more opportunities to enjoy the game.”
-Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club “We are thrilled to work with the Ottawa Blackjacks. The Ottawa Blackjacks represent the ultimate goal of many of our young athletes. Partnering with the Blackjacks will provide Ottawa and Gatineau youth the opportunity to engage with professional players and coaches who demonstrate EOBA values of excellence, teamwork, respect, and commitment. We welcome this chance to collaborate and to build our basketball community,” said Jim Tebrake, Eastern Ontario Basketball Association.
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About the Ottawa BlackJacksThe first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its third season, the BlackJacks have reached the championship semifinal three times. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League The CEBL features 10 teams in six provinces, making it the largest pro sports league in Canada. The CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 71 percent of its 2022 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U Sports. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
