2016 marks the 125th Anniversary of the birth basketball. On December 21st 1891, Canadian Dr. James Naismith, created the sport in Springfield, Massachusetts. Today, basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada and around the world. With thriving national and international programs and events, the game is now being played by millions worldwide.
QUICK FACTS
- Canadian, Dr. James Naismith created the sport of Basketball in Springfield,
- Massachusetts USA at the International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School (YMCA).
- The first ever basketball game was played on December 21 1891
- Basketball was originally played with a soccer ball and peach baskets until 1906.
- In 1930, basketball was officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee.
- In 1932, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was founded in Geneva.
- Canadian amateur teams have been participating in the sport since the turn of the century.
- Canada is home to one of the most storied amateur teams in sport’s history, the Edmonton Grads. The grads swept four consecutive Olympic games from 1924 to 1936 on their way to compiling an insurmountable 96.2 winning-percentage over 35 years.
- Toronto, ON played host to the first ever NBA game. On November 1st 1946, the Toronto Huskies took on the New York Knickerbockers.
- Basketball is among the fastest growing sports in Canada
- Since 2010, participation has seen a growth of 16% (ahead of hockey & soccer)
- Most popular team sport in Canada among youth aged 12- 17
- World’s most popular sport for the age group 14-18, across both genders
- Canada has the highest representation of international players in the NBA
- In 2015, the Canadian women’s national program had an historic season, winning 3 gold medals.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BASKETBALL!