Why Motivation Matters: A courtside chat with (our partners!) the Raptors 905
On Feb. 4, 2021 we held a courtside chat, “Why Motivation Matters,” to celebrate the start of our partnership with the Raptors 905, our region’s G League basketball team.
With us were some special guests: Courtney Charles, vice president of Basketball & Franchise Operations, MLSE, Brittni Donaldson, assistant coach, Raptors 905, and players Nik Stauskas and Henry Ellenson. Joining us from the Y were Beth Morgan, General Manager of the Markham YMCA and Dedric Nelson, General Manager of Teen Strategy.
“Basketball is a universal sport,” said Courtney. “Everyone can play it and have access to it…it’s something the YMCA also displays. They are universal and they have opportunities for everyone to be able to come together and participate.”
Dedric Nelson, general manager for Teen Strategy at the YMCA of Greater Toronto says that the Raptors 905 represent building connection, confidence, and physical activity – which the Y also stands for.
Courtney and Brittni have their own connections to the Y. Courtney talked about taking his children to swimming lessons at the Y and watching them develop skills and confidence in the water. And Brittni? She played in her very first basketball league at a YMCA!
As for ways to stay motivated during the pandemic Beth Morgan, general manager of the Markham YMCA shares this advice:
“Do what's your jam… We need people around us to motivate us to push us, to feed off of each other's energy. It's hard when we are stuck at home, but just because you can't be around people, doesn't mean you can't connect. Which is why the Virtual Y is a great opportunity right now.”
We captured the highlights of the courtside chat in the footage below. Be sure to check it out!
