Two newly upgraded basketball courts in London’s West Lions Park will serve as both a tribute and reminder of the Afzaal family.
The City of London and representatives from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLSE Foundation and the Toronto Raptors unveiled the improved basketball courts on Saturday. The two courts were revamped in commemoration of the Muslim family who were run down and killed in a suspected hate-motivated incident in the city in June 2021.
“This project will provide lasting change and access to sport for London’s youth, and it demonstrates the power that sport has to bring people together,” said Mayor Ed Holder. “We are grateful for MLSE and MLSE Foundation’s support in London. We are excited to celebrate the project’s completion together and for the community to now be back on the courts and able to play.”
MLSE and MLSE Foundation donated $250,000 for the upgrades. They then worked with youth from the local Muslim community to redesign the courts, which were selected for the overhaul because of their size and proximity to the London Muslim Mosque. It was the Muslim youth who pitched the idea of colouring the two outdoor courts bright purple and green, the colours associated with the Afzaal family. Written in big block letters on the surface of the courts are the words “Our London Family”.
Improvements to seating near the courts was also completed and trees and community barbecues were added to the space.
Tanya Mruck, MLSE’s vice president of community engagement and social impact, said they were inspired to work with the City of London to provide “lasting impact for a resilient community’ after a visit to the city in the wake of the attack on the Afzaal family.
“Not only will this project help improve access to sport for local youth, it also offers an opportunity to support the Muslim and greater London communities in a space that highlights culture, community and togetherness,” said Mruck.
Work on the courts was completed throughout the summer. Following their reopening Saturday, a youth basketball clinic
led by sport clinicians from the Toronto Raptors organization took place. Participants were the first to play on the new courts, learning from professional clinicians and practicing skills.
