A local university student has created a new basketball training program to make sure that every kid in his community gets their chance to get in the game.

Meet Ojoe Malabug. Ojoe is a student at St. Mary’s University (Calgary) and is also the founder and coach of Gotham Hoops Calgary.

Malabug grew up surrounded by basketball and credits his dad for getting him into the sport. Malabug was also a player but was forced to trade in his shoes for a whistle and clipboard when he unfortunately hurt his patella tendon during his senior year of high school.

Malabug didn’t want the injury to hold him back. He still had love for basketball and wanted to find a way to use his love for the sport to give back to his community. This is why Gotham Hoops Calgary was created. Gotham Hoops Calgary is a club alternative that allows kids to get in the game for a reduced price.

Malabug and the Gotham Hoops Basketball program hopes to instill the following principles into its players:

• Integrity.
• Confidence.
• Honesty.
• Discipline.
• Determination.
• Being a part of a team is bigger than Basketball.

The program has had a major impact on the community as the Gotham Hoops Program has recently expanded from 1 team to 3 teams with hopes of adding 3 more this spring. Allowing for even more players and age groups to get involved.

Malabug is hopeful for the expansion and is excited to continue to provide an alternative for families. Malabug says it is important to give back to the community more than ever before as the COVID- 19 pandemic has made it hard for some families to keep their kids in sports.