Here’s the clinic schedule!
TORONTO, August 14, 2025 — Kick off the official opening of Sankofa Square with Canada’s first major public celebration on Saturday, August 23 with Toronto Raptors and Hoop Queens!
This powerful, free, full-day event branded and curated by the award-winning D.PE Agency is from 10 a.m to 11 p.m, and marks a significant new cultural tradition for Toronto, rooted in remembrance, healing, and the vibrant future of the Square.
Anchored in the theme “Looking Back, Building Forward,” the event commemorates UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, also known as “Sankofa Day.” This celebration brings a global moment of reflection to Canadian soil in an unprecedented public and large-scale manner, honouring the African Diaspora while championing a united future rooted in justice, belonging, and creative expression.
TORONTO RAPTORS BASKETBALL CLINIC (12 PM – 1 PM)
On Sankofa Day, there will be an exciting free community basketball clinic led by the Toronto Raptors, generously supported by Canada Basketball! Join us on August 23rd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for a fun-filled session open to youth and the community. Plus, don’t miss the limited basketball drop in partnership with renowned designer Nicole Nomsa Moyo!
The Raptors will lead the activation, starting with an introduction and cheer at noon, followed by dynamic activities designed to build skills and foster team spirit:
• 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM – Check in
• 12:00 PM – Welcome + Raptors Cheer
• 12:05 PM – 12:15 PM – Warm-up + Team Building Game
• 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM – Skill Stations (shooting, passing, dribbling, defense)
• 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM – Shooting Game + Closing Remarks
This is a fantastic opportunity for participants of all ages to learn, improve their basketball skills, and have fun outside their comfort zone. It’s about community, movement, and developing fundamental skills that last a lifetime.
HOOPQUEENS BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE (1 PM – 7 PM)
From 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join us for a free community basketball experience and celebrate diversity in sports with HOOPQUEENS, proudly sponsored by the Toronto Raptors.
HOOPQUEENS is revolutionizing the game—building a bold, innovative pipeline for women’s basketball on and off the court. From grassroots to elite competition, they’re shifting how the sport is viewed, celebrated, and supported. As the home of The League, Canada’s first professional women’s basketball league, HOOPQUEENS champions visibility, compensation, and high-level play for women athletes at every stage.
Programming throughout the day to include:
- Queen’s Court 1V1 Tournament
- 3×3 games
- HOOPQUEENS merch table
- Mini bracelet bar
- Toronto basketball trivia
Bring your energy, cheer on local talent, and connect through sport in this vibrant space that honors Toronto’s rich diversity and cultural heritage.
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