Looking Back: The Launch of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Foundation
In the early 2000s, the WMBA created a charitable arm — the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Foundation — to leave a lasting legacy for young athletes in our city. With over 4,000 children participating each year, the WMBA had already become one of Winnipeg’s largest sports associations, and the Foundation gave us a new way to support players and the basketball community.
The Foundation’s first major goal was ambitious: build five outdoor court complexes across Winnipeg. Funded by a $50 per team legacy fee, along with support from government, sponsors, and donors, the project was completed with durable, regulation courts designed for year-round use.
Over time, the Foundation expanded its impact through:
Community Club Subsidy - helping centres improve basketball facilities and programs.
Foundation Scholarships - supporting student-athletes pursuing higher education.
Bruce Russell Coach of the Year Award - recognizing outstanding volunteer coaching.
These initiatives continue to strengthen the basketball community and ensure the WMBA’s legacy lives on.