SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 (NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP)
Fundraising Nets Two Tempered Glass Backboards for Len Wood

Thanks to a group effort new tempered glass backboards are in the Len Wood Middle School gym!

Long time teacher and athletic director Hiapo Poirier explains that, for years, Len Wood Middle School's athletic programs have thrived despite significant challenges, particularly its small gym with a low ceiling and outdated equipment. Running competitive basketball and volleyball programs in such a space has been difficult, but Poirier saw an opportunity to improve the student experience - one backboard at a time.

Poirier and Principal Patti Lemaire comment there has been a game-changing improvement for Len Wood's gym, the installation of two brand-new tempered glass backboards, made possible through community fundraising and unwavering dedication.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

"Running Grade 8 basketball and volleyball programs is certainly challenging," Poirier admitted. "However, it does make our students learn control for accurate passing. The size of our court and the height of our ceiling force them to play a more technical game." But the challenges didn't stop there.

"When we would take our students to other gyms, they would notice how different a real tempered glass backboard reacts compared to the old wooden ones we had," Poirier explained. "It was clear that we needed an upgrade, and I took it upon myself to make that happen."

A Community Effort

Poirier embarked on a year-and-a-half-long journey to raise funds for two regulation tempered glass backboards. His first step was reaching out to Len Wood's Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for support. From there, he connected with the Armstrong Kin Club of Canada and Royal Lepage Realty, both of which were eager to contribute to the cause.

One key supporter in the fundraising effort was Ryan Grieve, Len Wood's Grade 8 girls' basketball coach and a local realtor. "Ryan went to his office and explained the situation, and he personally matched whatever his office donated from his own funds," Poirier explained.

The combined efforts of the PAC, Armstrong Kin Club, Royal Lepage, and Grieve's generosity resulted in enough funds to purchase two official tempered glass backboards.

A Lasting Impact

For Principal Patti Lemaire, the new backboards symbolize more than just an equipment upgrade. "It's about our students and their experience," Lemaire said. "This gym may be small, but with these backboards, we are providing our students with a quality environment where they can develop their skills and take pride in their school."

Poirier echoed the sentiment. "I feel honoured to be part of this community with such generous support for our athletics programs and ultimately our students. Although it's an older, small gym, we've got some beautiful backboards that students can enjoy for years to come."

Len Wood Middle School's gym may still be compact, but thanks to the dedication of Poirier, Lemaire, and a supportive community, the student-athletes now have the tools they need to play and grow in an enhanced environment. The new backboards are a reminder that even small spaces can foster big dreams.