The
Little Cavaliers Tournament took place this year on May 3 and 4, 2014, for the sixth annual year.
This tournament has grown from a few co-ed teams to the biggest registration yet this year - with 12 teams throwing their shoes on the court.
Teams from across the region joined in - with 5 boys teams and 7 girls teams. But, while the tournament has grown, it's focus has remained the same...to provide a fun day on the court for some of the regions youngest players.
The tournament marks the end of the season for Novice Selects teams in the region, and is a day that everyone looks forward to. Lots of time on the court for each player helps them further develop their game skills and their love of the game. The emphasis is on
good sportsmanship.
A highlight for the players are the
Little Hustler Awards. These are given at the end of each game to the player who the opposing coach feels showed the greatest hustle, sportsmanship and team play.
Every participant also receives a medal to commemorate their day. The smiles we see throughout the day are a testament to the impact this tournament has on the development of these young players.
Being involved in a team sport doesn't only have physical advantages, but also helps youth grow mentally and socially.
The 2014 edition of the Little Cavaliers Tournament did see one change, however. The KYBA Executive voted to rename this annual tournament the
Michael Rider Little Cavaliers Tournament, in honour of long time
KYBA volunteer Michael Rider, who lost his battle to cancer in July 2013.
Over the 20 years Michael volunteered with KYBA his focus remained the same - to make basketball accessible to the youth of our community. He tirelessly worked to ensure that every boy or girl that wanted to play basketball could do just that. With this premise he helped to guide
KYBA over his 20 year tenure, and cement the Association into the strong community player that it is today.
In fact, recent headlines in the news have indicated that many Canadian youth do not have the opportunity to play a team sport because of affordability. But, thanks to the precedent set by Michael Rider, KYBA has remained an affordable option in our community to allow youth to
enjoy the benefits of playing a team sport.
And, so, honouring him with this tournament in particular was very fitting.
Even after the difficult loss of such a special person,
Michael Rider's family continues to give to the organization that was so important to Michael. At midday Michael's daughter and wife took to the microphone to thank KYBA for the special honour of the tournament naming. They also presented the KYBA Novice Selects program with a $250 donation towards offsetting the costs of the tournament.
Active coach and volunteer with KYBA,
Jayson Saikely, also took to the microphone as the founder of the Little Cavaliers Tournament, to share a few words in memoriam.
KYBA thanks the Rider family for their continued support and is proud to have this tournament named in tribute of Michael.
For more detials and pictures from the tournament - please check the
following document.
