OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech basketball programs, alongside the Black Athletes Association for Marginalized Groups (BAA), are set to host their first Shoot for Change anti-racism basketball game.
 
Ontario Tech BAA president and men's basketball player D'on Duncan worked with the Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression (NUBASE) to collaborate on a weekend of Shoot for Change games as part of the home-and-home series.
 
The Ridgebacks host the Nipissing Lakers Sunday, March 13, which follows their road games in North Bay on March 11.
 
"The Shoot for Change game is an exciting opportunity for Ontario Tech and Nipissing to showcase our talent, while hoping to create change on and off the court," said Duncan. "The goal of the game is to unify the two schools to bring an end to racism, discrimination and prejudice. March 13 will be a historic day at Ontario Tech when we host this action-packed day with the goal of creating change."
 
The game will feature a number of special events, including a 50/50 draw, Ridgebacks gear discounted for sale and opportunities to win prizes during both the women's and men's games at halftime. Shoot for Change t-shirts are also available to be ordered online or in-person at the game (while supplies last).
 
All proceeds from the game will be used to establish the Black Athlete Association Bursary for Marginalized Groups (BAA).
 
Ontario Tech athletic director Scott Barker is excited to see this come to fruition and believes this is one of many steps the program is taking to promote equity and diversity on campus.
 
"The creation of the BAA has allowed our student-athletes to become champions of equity and diversity in our Ontario Tech community," said Barker. "I am so proud of this initiative they developed, especially collaborating with another OUA school, showing that this is bigger than sport. Our schools want to see and create change and this is just another step towards that goal."
 
Game times are set for 4 p.m. for the women's game and 6 p.m. for the men's game at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. They are free for Ontario Tech students or staff and children under 14. Adult tickets are $10 with senior tickets priced at $5. All ticket proceeds that night will go towards the BAA Bursary.