A memorable field trip took place for students in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., as a group of high school basketball players had the exciting opportunity to meet Toronto Raptors’ star forward, RJ Barrett, at a recent game in Toronto. These students are part of the Alliance Academy by the Algoma District School Board, a unique program allowing Grades 9 and 10 students to earn high school credit by participating in basketball and other sports activities.
Approximately 50 players from Korah Collegiate, Superior Heights, and White Pines traveled by bus to attend the game on Dec. 2. Jeff Giovanatti, a vice-principal at Central Algoma Secondary School, who had previously coached Barrett on Team Ontario and national team programs, facilitated the connection with the academy.
After the game, the students had the chance to meet and interact with Barrett courtside. They engaged in conversations about their basketball aspirations, took numerous selfies, and shared high-fives. The experience left a lasting impression on the students, with Korah student Tyler Macintosh expressing his amazement at meeting an NBA player for the first time.
Similarly, Superior Heights student Eva Robinson, attending her first Raptors game, described it as the best trip she had ever been on. The Alliance Academy in Sault is expanding, building on the success of the Algoma District School Board’s Hockey Canada Skills Academy, which started in 2018 and now includes basketball, football, soccer, and mixed martial arts.
Over 250 students from the city’s public high schools participate in the program, dedicating their mornings to sports skill development alongside curriculum courses related to trades, civics, and careers. The academy’s principal, Steve Caruso, emphasized the importance of engaging opportunities for students in northern Ontario, particularly to address attendance concerns.
The unique approach of the Sault academy focuses on skills development rather than formal team competitions, and Caruso highlighted the immense community support that makes experiences like the Raptors game possible. He expressed gratitude to local businesses whose contributions helped offset the costs, making such enriching experiences accessible to the students.
