“Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do!” – Ben Mowat

During the 2018 edition of the Hoop Classic, we were blessed with a “were you there when…” moment when Ben, the team manager of the Bernice MacNaughton High School Senior Boys Basketball team enjoyed the best night of his life.  Ben was born with cerebral palsy, but didn’t let that keep him from playing and enjoying the game at a high level up to his high school years. Coach Nick Earle, not wanting that enthusiasm and smarts to go untapped, made him the manager of the senior boys team. Ben Dool, a fellow teammate in 2018, offered up his jersey to his buddy Ben for a chance to play in the Hoop Classic. As if out of a movie, a teammate corralled an offensive rebound and kicked it to him for an open three-pointer that was good the  moment it left Ben’s hand.

Every year, the Mowat family honors the kindness of the entire team with the Mowat Sportsmanship Award, presented to a deserving boys and girls player at the Crandall Hoop Classic. The recipients will receive a 250$ honorarium to go towards sports fees, equipment or post-secondary education or training. The tournament is honored to be a part of this amazing tradition.