“Basketball has come full circle in Canada. It was invented by a Canadian, the first NBA game was in Toronto, and now [we’ve won] an NBA Championship.” Adam Silver – NBA Commissioner
The Toronto Raptors are the 2019 NBA Champions! As the entire country of Canada looked on, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in game six. The six taking it in six, and not only that, but making history with the Raptors first NBA Title in franchise history and the first NBA Champion north of the border. As the Commissioner introduced the 2019 champs and handed over the Larry O’Brien trophy, he let the world know about another little known fact — that the game of basketball was actually invented by a Canadian. Its inventor, James Naismith, was a man who loved God and wanted to use His life to help others come to know God personally.
This fact isn’t widely known. We didn’t read it in the headlines today or hear about it in history lessons, but it’s an important part of the story that shouldn’t be forgotten. To Athletes in Action, it’s revolutionary. It means that basketball was invented as a way to engage people in sport so they would have the opportunity to know Jesus in a personal way.
Athletes in Action is continuing the legacy of James Naismith by recapturing the original purpose intended for this sport and giving all people an opportunity to know Jesus, the character He can produce, and the hope that He gives through a sport like basketball. Their goal is to help athletes and fans experience victory beyond competition.
Basketball in Canada has now come full circle, but the story isn’t over yet.
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We The North!
Photo from Daily Hive