Vancouver Police Basketball ASSOCIATION

The goal of the VPD Basketball Association is to foster positive community relationships through the game of basketball. Players act as ambassadors for the VPD by promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, physical fitness, and fun in our community. The goal is to show youth there is an alternative to violence, drugs, and gangs.

The VPD Basketball Association has been active in the community since the 1950s. There are currently dozens of annual events, using as many VPD members as possible. Support is also provided to local players and teams with the help of the Vancouver Police Foundation, through the donation of basketballs, uniforms, t-shirts, healthy snacks, and scholarships.

Community and School Events and Games

As part of the VPD Police Athletic League (PAL), the VPD Basketball Association participates in dozens of community-based games throughout Vancouver every year.

These events help to foster a positive relationship between police officers and youth, while enhancing social responsibility. The events include:

• weekly lunch-hour games at local elementary schools
• Roundhouse Community Centre
• BC Wheelchair Basketball Hoopfest
• Strathcona Hoop-A-Thon
• Night Hoops program
  
  

High School Basketball Tournament

Since 2010, the VPD Basketball Association has annually hosted a 16-team high school senior basketball tournament. Every December, approximately 240 student athletes compete in 26 games over three days in Vancouver. The goal of the tournament is to provide these student athletes with an opportunity to compete against their peers from across Vancouver in a safe environment.

The VPD Basketball Association is proud to host this tournament and allow athletic and scholastic achievements to be recognized. Thanks to generous community partners, 57 graduating high school seniors have been giving scholarships -- a total of $28,500 toward post-secondary education in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.

King George Dragons - 2017 Tournament Champions

Gil Puder Community Award

Constable Gil Puder was an 18-year veteran of the VPD when he passed away from cancer on November 12, 1999. During his career, he patrolled the Downtown Eastside on foot, and he was a use-of-force instructor at the Justice Institute of B.C., and a member of the VPD's Emergency Response Team.

Gil was known for his smooth jumpshot from 20 feet, his aggressive slashes to the hoop, and his tenacious rebounding, but he is best remembered for his outstanding commitment to the community.

To honour Gil’s dedication to the community, a $500 scholarship, provided by the Vancouver Police Union, is awarded annually to a graduating senior at the VPD Winter Invitational. The recipient is awarded this scholarship based on the values and attributes Gil possessed:

• exemplifying the meaning of student-athlete
• demonstrating outstanding performance in the classroom
• acknowledged by coaches as a leader on the basketball court
• demonstrating commitment to his community through volunteer work

2017 Award Recipient
Razmig Gugasyan
King George High School
Presented by Randy Puder and Inspector Todd Thomas

Competitive Teams

The VPD Basketball Association also traditionally fields competitive basketball teams, both men's and women's. These teams have played in competitive leagues locally, tournaments throughout North America, and the World Police Fire Games.