Vancouver Bandits Earn Community Champion Award for Second Straight Year

October 28, 2025

New foundation, expanded youth programs, and cultural initiatives highlight a landmark season of community impact led by the Bandits

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that the Vancouver Bandits have been named the 2025 CEBL Community Champion, earning the honour for a second consecutive season. The Community Champion Award is the second of four 2025 CEBL Business Awards to be presented this week.


COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Awarded to the franchise that has demonstrated a dedication to and understanding of local communities through notable, creative, and sustainable outreach that prioritize the CEBL values of innovation, inclusion, diversity, and meaningful experiences for fans and others.


2025 Winner:
Vancouver Bandits


In 2025, the Vancouver Bandits expanded their community reach through the launch of the
Bandits Community Foundation, a charitable organization overseeing programs such as the Community Champion Initiative, Indigenous Basketball Collective, First Buckets, Secondary Buckets, and Inspiring Bandits Scholarship.


The club also became the first CEBL team to unveil a
Filipino Heritage jersey and logo, with proceeds benefiting United Way BC and the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by events following the Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day Festival.


Continuing their commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation, the Bandits signed a
multi-year partnership supporting Canadian cancer research, including the return of their Terry Fox tribute jerseys.


Community engagement remained a cornerstone of the Bandits’ efforts this year, with additional highlights including:

  • Hosting the fourth annual BC Basketball Festival at Langley Events Centre
  • Awarding six scholarships through the Inspiring Bandits program at the BC High School Basketball Championships
  • Delivering 77 on-court sessions and 12 free coaching clinics through Secondary Buckets, led by Bandits head coach Kyle Julius
  • Delivered seven coaches clinics, youth camps and officiating clinics for Indigenous youth across British Columbia
  • Refurbishing Grays Park in South Vancouver through the Court Projects initiative
  • Hosting three cultural heritage theme games (Filipino Heritage, South Asian Heritage, and Indigenous Celebration), each ranking among the club’s top five attended home games in 2025


The Bandits also launched a successful bid to host the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament, one of the largest youth basketball events in Canada, in partnership with Kwantlen First Nation and Vancity Nation youth basketball.


The 2025 Community Champion Award recognizes the Vancouver Bandits’ sustained leadership and impact across British Columbia, reflecting their ongoing commitment to community, inclusion, and excellence in basketball.


The 2025 CEBL Business Awards consist of four awards, given in recognition of accomplishments at both the team and executive levels (Award – Announcement Date – Winner):


Digital Excellence Award
– Monday, October 27 – Calgary Surge

🡪Community Champion – Tuesday, October 28 – Vancouver Bandits

Executive of the Year – Wednesday, October 29 – TBA

Franchise of the Year – Thursday, October 30 – TBA


Award winners were voted on by various groups comprised of league and team executives, including, but not limited to, members of the CEBL’s Leadership Team and all 10 team presidents.



- CEBL -



About the CEBL

Created by Canadians for Canadians, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is dedicated to developing Canadian players, coaches, referees, and sports executives. In 2025, the league featured a record 17 players with NBA game experience, and nearly 70 per cent of its rosters were Canadian — the highest of any professional league in the country. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National Team program, NCAA, U SPORTS, and CCAA. Nearly 40 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and many others attend NBA G League training camps each year. The season runs from May through August, with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, and Next Level Sports & Entertainment in the U.S. For more information, visit CEBL.ca or follow @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

October 28, 2025
Avec le lancement d’une fondation, l’élargissement de ses programmes jeunesse et la mise en œuvre d’initiatives culturelles, les Bandits signent une saison historique marquée par un impact significatif dans leur communauté
October 27, 2025
Les récipiendaires des Prix d’affaires 2025 de la LECB seront dévoilés du 27 au 30 octobre
October 27, 2025
2025 CEBL Business Award winners to be unveiled from October 27-30
October 20, 2025
La meilleure ligue professionnelle de basketball du Canada et son premier commissaire et cofondateur prennent des chemins différents après un mandat de huit ans couronné de succès
October 20, 2025
Canada’s top pro basketball league and its first Commissioner and Co-Founder part ways following a successful eight-year tenure
October 9, 2025
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la nomination de Jason Winters à titre de nouveau président du club. Winters se joint aux BlackJacks après avoir occupé le poste de directeur général de Myers Kanata Nissan depuis 2019. Chef d’entreprise très respecté au sein de la communauté ottavienne, lui et sa famille ont également possédé et exploité plusieurs franchises Booster Juice dans la région de la capitale. Détenteur d’abonnements de saison des BlackJacks de longue date, Winters apporte une profonde passion pour le basketball ainsi qu’un solide bilan en matière de partenariats authentiques et de création de valeur tangible pour les parties prenantes. « En tant que détenteur d’abonnement saisonnier et fier partisan des BlackJacks, il a été incroyable de voir l’évolution de l’équipe et la notoriété croissante de la LECB au Canada », a déclaré Winters. « Assumer le rôle de président pour diriger cette équipe et servir notre communauté est un honneur pour ma famille et moi. Je suis enthousiaste et déterminé à bâtir sur les bases solides que les BlackJacks ont déjà établies, avec intégrité, passion et un profond respect pour nos partisans et la communauté d’Ottawa. » Dans son nouveau rôle de président, Jason guidera les BlackJacks vers une ère nouvelle et prometteuse — en renforçant les liens avec la communauté et en accroissant l’impact du club, tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors, alors que l’équipe continue d’élargir sa présence au sein de la LECB et dans toute la région d’Ottawa. « Nous sommes fiers et honorés d’accueillir Jason dans ce rôle de leadership », a déclaré Justin Pascoe, PDG de Diamond Sports Canada. « En tant que membre de longue date de la communauté d’Ottawa, il apporte une vaste expérience professionnelle, une réputation d’excellence et de solides valeurs familiales qui lui ont valu le respect généralisé dans toute la région. » « Le leadership, l'intégrité et la passion de toujours de Jason pour le basketball font de lui la personne idéale pour guider les BlackJacks vers une nouvelle étape prometteuse », a poursuivi Pascoe. « Il incarne les valeurs que nous souhaitons voir représenter par ce club et entretient un véritable lien avec nos partisans et notre communauté. Ensemble, nous ferons des BlackJacks une équipe dont nos partisans, nos commanditaires et notre ville pourront être fiers, tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors. » Diplômé du Collège Algonquin des arts appliqués et de la technologie, Winters vit dans le quartier Old Ottawa South avec sa famille : Sherry, Archer, Zoe et Nevaeah. Les forfaits d’abonnement pour la saison 2026 sont maintenant disponibles en ligne à l’adresse theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships . ###
October 9, 2025
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the appointment of Jason Winters as the club’s new president. Winters joins the BlackJacks having served as the general manager of Myers Kanata Nissan since 2019. A highly respected business leader in the Ottawa community. He and his family have also owned and operated multiple Booster Juice franchises across the Capital Region. A long-time BlackJacks season ticket holder, Winters brings a deep passion for basketball along with a proven track record of building authentic partnerships and delivering meaningful value to stakeholders. “As someone who has been in the stands as a proud season ticket holder and fan of the BlackJacks, it has been incredible to watch the growth and awareness of the team and the CEBL in Canada,” said Winters. “Stepping into the role of President to lead this team and serve our community is something that my family and I are honoured to do. I am excited and committed to building on the foundation the BlackJacks have already established with integrity, passion and a deep respect for our fans and the Ottawa community.” In his new role as President, Jason will lead the BlackJacks into an exciting new era - strengthening community ties and enhancing the club’s impact both on and off the court as the team continues to grow its presence in the CEBL and across the Ottawa region. “We are proud and privileged to welcome Jason into this leadership role,” said Justin Pascoe, CEO of Diamond Sports Canada. “As a long-standing member of the Ottawa community, he brings a wealth of professional experience, a reputation for excellence and strong family values that have earned him widespread respect throughout the region.” “Jason’s leadership, integrity and lifelong passion for basketball make him the ideal person to guide the BlackJacks into an exciting new chapter,” continued Pascoe. “He embodies the values we want this club to stand for and has a true connection to our fans and community. Together, we will make the BlackJacks a team that our fans, sponsors and city can be proud of on and off the court” A graduate of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Winters lives in Old Ottawa South with his family, Sherry, Archer, Zoe and Nevaeah. Season seat packages for the 2026 campaign are now available online at theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships . ###
October 6, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Amanda Chau to the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Amanda joins as Director, Corporate Partnerships, bringing over a decade of experience in partnerships and marketing. Most recently, she was with True North Sports + Entertainment, where she supported the Winnipeg Jets and national partners with business planning, relationship development, and sponsorship strategy. Her background also includes account and project management at Direct Focus Marketing Agency, where she worked across brand strategies, events, and sponsorship opportunities, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the diverse needs of dynamic clients and brands. Welcome to the CEBL team, Amanda!
September 25, 2025
Joignez-vous à nous pour souhaiter la bienvenue à Jean Couvrette, qui se joint à la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball à titre de directeur principal, partenariats corporatifs. Jean apporte plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans le développement de partenariats, le marketing sportif et la gestion d’équipes de ventes. Il a occupé des postes clés au sein d'organisations telles que le Grand Prix de Formule 1 du Canada, Professional Sports Management, SPORTSQUÉBEC et les Alouettes de Montréal, où il a constamment obtenu d'excellents résultats en matière de commandites et de ventes. Plus récemment, il a agi à titre de consultant pour des organisations de premier plan, dont Soccer Québec, la Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes, les Carabins de l’Université de Montréal, Ironman Mont-Tremblant et Golf Québec. Bienvenue dans l’équipe de la LECB, Jean!
September 25, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Jean Couvrette to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Sr. Director, Corporate Partnerships. Jean brings over 30 years of experience in partnership development, sports marketing, and team leadership. He has held key roles with organizations including the Formula One Grand Prix du Canada, Professional Sports Management, SPORTSQUÉBEC, and the Montreal Alouettes, where he consistently delivered strong results in sponsorship and sales. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant with leading organizations such as Soccer Québec, Québec Cycling Federation, Université de Montréal Carabins, Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and Golf Québec. Welcome to the CEBL team, Jean!