OCNews

After a two-year hiatus, the Kelowna College Basketball Society is bringing back its much-anticipated and popular Hoopla event, raising awareness and support for the OC Coyotes basketball teams.

The evening fundraiser takes place on September 28^th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Centre for Learning on Okanagan College’s K.L.O. Road campus.  Tickets for Hoopla are $50 and can be purchased https://occoyotes.eventbrite.com.

“We are looking forward to connecting with the community in-person for the first time since 2019, as we celebrate our incredible athletes and raise much-needed funds for the team,” says Dino Gini, Coyotes coach and president of the Kelowna College Basketball Society. “This is a great opportunity for attendees to meet the student athletes and our host Brad Fay, while enjoying food, beverages and live entertainment.” 

The Coyotes basketball teams are a partnership between the Kelowna Basketball Society and Okanagan College. Student athletes join a team with a strong, proud history of competitive games and coaching, while pursuing their post-secondary education in OC’s robust and supportive academic environment. As a team, the OC Coyotes rely on grants, player contributions and community support to cover all athletic expenses.

“Donations help us cover the cost of things like facility rental and team travel,” says Doug Sperling, Coyotes coach and vice president of the Kelowna Basketball Society. “Our program provides a culture for athletes to thrive and develop basketball skills while fostering leadership, teamwork and other skills needed to succeed in life. The teams have success on and off the court, thanks to the generosity of our community.”

This year, Hoopla is hosted by Brad Fay, renowned B.C. Sportscaster from Rogers’ Sportsnet, and will include a silent auction.  Student athletes will share their personal experiences and stories with guests, and attendees will enjoy appetizers and beverages generously donated by local businesses, including The Office Brewery and Intrigue Wines.

All funds raised through ticket sales will support the Okanagan College Coyotes’ upcoming season. If you are not able to attend the event but would like to make a donation, please contact foundation@okanagan.bc.ca.