Vancouver Police Basketball Association

The goal of the not-for-profit Vancouver Police Basketball Association is to foster positive community relationships through the game of basketball. Players are ambassadors for the Vancouver Police Department by promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, physical fitness and fun. It is our desire to show youth there is an alternative to violence, drugs and gangs.

The Vancouver Police Basketball Team has been actively involved with playing secondary schools in the Lower Mainland since the 1950's. Currently we field a men's team that plays fundraising exhibition games with elementary schools and high schools as well as competes in local men's leagues and police / fire / emergency services tournaments.

Night Hoops

The Vancouver Police Basketball Association is involved with Night Hoops, a program that identifies youth at risk and provides them with an opportunity to play basketball in a safe environment evenings at Vancouver community centers. The Night Hoops organization provides coaches, referees, gym time, uniforms and a schedule of games throughout the season, which culminates in a league championship game.

HSBC High School Basketball Tournament Scholarships

The Vancouver Police Basketball Association is also involved in benevolent activities that support local youth basketball. The Association provides two $1,500 scholarships at the annual HSBC High School Basketball Tournament, held every December at UBC. The tournament is the largest high school participation tournament in North America, featuring a 16 team boy's draw, a 16 team girl's draw, an aboriginal draw, a wheelchair draw and a cheerleading competition. The tournament provides in excess of $50,000 in scholarships to participating graduating seniors.

Gil Puder Memorial Award

Gil Puder was an 18 year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department when he passed away due to cancer on November 12, 1999. During his career in the Vancouver Police Department he served as a foot beat patrolman in the Downtown Eastside, a Use of Force instructor at the Justice Institute of B.C. Police Academy, and a SWAT officer with the VPD's Emergency Response Team.

Gil had a passion for athletics and was heavily involved in martial arts, running and basketball. Gil was a talented, athletic basketball player who was a leader for the team on and off the court. Gil was known for his smooth jump shot from 20 feet, his aggressive slashes to the hoop on the break and his tenacious rebounding.

In honour of Gil Puder's contribution as a police officer and basketball player, HSBC created the Gil Puder Memorial Award – Most Exemplary Citizen, which is awarded each year to a boys and girls recipient at the HSBC High School Basketball Tournament.