From one vision to #1 in Basketball Manitoba history. 

Before the teams, the packed gyms and generations of players, there was an idea.

Mike Ruta believed young people in Winnipeg deserved the chance to play basketball, grow and be part of a community. That belief led him to found the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association.

It began with the first conversations, plans, gyms, teams and players. Then the WMBA grew, welcoming more athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and families, year after year.

What started as one person’s vision became a lasting part of life in Winnipeg: a place where young players made their first baskets, teammates became friends, coaches became mentors and families made memories together.

Today, that remarkable journey has earned an extraordinary honour: the WMBA has been named the #1 event in Basketball Manitoba’s history as part of its Top 50 Countdown. 

It’s a recognition of how far the association has come, and of everyone who helped it grow from its beginnings into a community shared by generations.

To Mike Ruta, thank you for starting it.

To every player, coach, official, volunteer and family who carried the vision forward, thank you for helping build the legacy.

And to every young player who has stepped onto a WMBA court: you’re part of this story.

From one person’s vision to generations of basketball memories.

WMBA #1 in Basketball Manitoba history. 

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