After two long years on the sidelines, Hoops for Hunger is less than a week away from making a triumphant return.
The Moose Jaw Thunder Basketball Club product acts as an annual fundraiser for Hunger in Moose Jaw, and in the first few years of its existence quickly became one of the most popular events of the season for the local group.
Now, after missing out on the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s all systems go, with things tipping off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Apr. 23 at Riverview.
“We’re really looking forward to it, it’s kind of turning into the highlight of the program,” said Curt Lorge with Thunder basketball. “The girls are collecting donations and taking challenges and stuff, and it’s just going to be a really fun day of basketball.”
Things tip off with a pair of exhibition games between the Thunder and the Medicine Hat Rangers, with the U17s playing at 11:15 a.m. and the U15s taking the court at 2:30 p.m.
Thunder players will also take part in training sessions with the Medicine Hat coaching staff, focusing on speed and strength training and what is required to play at the college level.
Then the real fun starts.
The Thunder Alumni Game -- featuring past players from throughout the club’s existence -- takes place at 4 p.m., followed by the first Riverview / Cornerstone Boys Alumni game at 7:30 p.m., featuring players from all eras of Royals and Falcons basketball.
The event will wrap up with one of the highlights of the whole day, the Parents vs. Daughters game at 8:30 p.m.
“That’s always an absolute blast,’ Lorge said with a laugh. “The kids just love having their parents on the court, and it’s so much fun.”
Of course, there’s the whole reason for Hoops for Hunger itself -- the event has raised $6,300 since its inception, and the Thunder will be looking for another successful showing this time around.
“The first few years we raised $6,300 and that’s 6,300 lunches, that’s a lot of kids our kids are helping out and we’re really proud of that,” Lorge said. “It’s just a win-win all around and we’re really happy to be able to make a bit of a diference.”
As for the Moose Jaw Thunder season itself, things have taken a heavy skill-development focus as players get back on the court on a regular basis after two years away from the club game.
“Right now, it‘s all about skill, skill, skill,” Lorge said. “We have about 30 girls across all ages and we’re working on getting them ready for their school seasons… we just want to make sure the kids are alright and having fun and that’s the most important thing, having them out on the court and being active again.”
Hoops for Hunger will be collecting donations at the door throughout the day, and to help out prior to the event, simply reach out to Lorge at (306) 690-8716 or any player with the Moose Jaw Thunder.
For the latest info on the club, be sure to check out their Facebook page under Moose Jaw Thunder Basketball.
