A leader by example, Dr. Naismith is setting the tone for all in the town of Almonte.
As you can see, he’ll be sporting his mask indoors (at the museum) and outdoors (as people can’t resist getting up close for a quick photo opp).
Please continue to support your communities and neighbours by wearing a mask.
The Foundation regrets that this post was not shared sooner! This is wonderful addition to our budding “statue lane”.
Find the story here
On November 23rd, 2019, Dr. James Naismith was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. Although his mark on the Canadian landscape is truly the invention of the game of basketball, the message shared with all who attended the gala (which was held at an elegantly presented Metro Toronto Convention Centre) was that the sport was a different avenue to reach youth to help coach them in taking the right path in life. If you ask a lot of coaches today or players for that matter, they may echo the exact same sentiment.
Jim Naismith, James Naismith’s grandson, was invited to accept the honour on behalf of the Naismith family. While Jim was casually walking the red carpet onlookers were completely taken aback by the physical resemblance between Jim and his Grandad. It was almost as if James was there himself.
Dr. Naismith’s story was brilliantly portrayed via digital magic! A hologram was shone onto the stage while it interacted with one of Canada’s up and comers in the sport.
Naismith was then eloquently introduced by one of the great legends in the sport, Isiah Thomas. Naismith’s grandson Jim, travelled from Texas to accept the honour with, what we would imagine, the same humbleness that we may have well seen from James Naismith himself.
The night was electrifying for those of us that were lucky enough to be the honoured guests of the Naismith family, which included our friends at NBA Canada (Jon Chang and Lea McNab), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame based in Springfield, MA (John Delova), the Mayor of Mississippi Mills (Almonte), the curator of the Naismith Museum in Mississippi Mills and the Dr. James Naismith Foundation.
The Foundation was extremely humbled to be included in celebrating James Naismith’s extremely well deserving honour.
May 18, 2018 CARLETON PLACE — A good indication that summer is right around the corner is the opening of the R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith Museums at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. Although the Mill has been home to the James Naismith Museum since 2009, this will be the first season the collection is owned by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) thanks to a partnership with the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation.
“It was a natural fit for the Naismith collection to be housed at the Mill given the friendship between James Naismith and R. Tait McKenzie,” said MVCA General Manager Paul Lehman. “This has been a success for both organizations and transferring the assets from the Foundation to MVCA will further ensure the Brothers of the Wind legacy lives on.”
“The legacy of Dr. James Naismith has always been a source of pride for the Almonte community,” said Naismith Basketball Foundation president Clem Pelot. “There are many great stories to tell about both McKenzie and Naismith; their lifelong connection and deep roots in the community. We are pleased MVCA will continue to care for and educate visitors about this world-class collection.
Both hailing from Almonte, McKenzie and Naismith are renowned for their professional accomplishments and personal creativity. Naismith is recognized worldwide for his invention of basketball and McKenzie for his influence on sports medicine and work as a sculptor.
The Museums open for the season on Saturday, May 19 at 10:30am. Spring hours are 10:30am – 4:30pm on weekends and 9:00am-3:30pm Monday through Friday.
MVCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Formed in 1968, MVCA’s mandate is to manage the watershed’s resources in partnership with our eleven member municipalities and the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Shannon Gutoskie
Community Relations Coordinator
613-253-0006 ext. 225
sgutoskie@mvc.on.ca
A new 50mm medallion has recently been produced by the Naismith Basketball Foundation with the assistance of Alliance Coin & Banknote as a celebratory token in the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the invention of the game of basketball (which occurred on Dec. 21st, 1891). As Canada’s 150th celebration year was on the heels of the 125th milestone the Foundation thought it fitting to merge the two celebrations: Celebrating the achievement of a great Canadian.
The artist of the coin is Gabriele Stefano Rosati of Pierrefonds, QC.
The medallion is available for purchase in person at Alliance Coin & Banknote located at 88 Mill st., in Almonte, ON. You can also email info@alliancecoin.com to order the medallion directly by mail.
Oct 19, 2016
After KU alumnus David Booth purchased James Naismith’s original rules of basketball for a total of $4.3 million in 2010, the DeBruce Center was built adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse to house the historic two-page document. Narration by KU alumnus and television journalist Bill Kurtis.
Did you know that the game of basketball is based on a childhood game called Duck on a Rock? The original rock used by Dr. James Naismith and his friends now resides at the Naismith Museum at the Mill of Kintail.
Learn more about Naismith’s original rules for the game of basketball and how they came to be developed.
Read more about Naismith’s Original Rules.
Read more about the History of Basketball.
Check out The Kansas City Star’s animated video on the original rules of Basketball!!
James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball: Can you name them?
Many may not have known Allen Rae personally, but he was a big part of this community even as a non-resident.
Allen (Al) served as the President of the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation for over 10 years, and was one of its founding members in 1989. The Foundation, based right here in Almonte, has been the driving force in keeping James Naismith’s legacy alive, not only in our community, but worldwide. Rae was introduced to Naismith’s story through the sport of basketball, a sport in which he would succeed as an Olympic level referee. After retiring as an official, his move to the Ottawa area prompted Rae to seek out where the roots of the game began, in the humble town of Almonte.
Rae had a passion for the sport of basketball. He is one of 3 Canadians ever to be inducted into the International Basketball Hall of Fame (FIBA) – one being James Naismith himself. He was touted as bringing the utmost of professionalism to the game, both on and off the court. Rae concurrently served with the RCMP from 1952 until 1972 where his personality and professionalism led him to be highly regarded by his peers and was considered a unique RCMP ambassador.
Al Rae’s impact on the Canadian sport community was legendary. After leaving the RCMP, he went on to work for Sport Canada and then shifted his focus back to basketball as the Executive Director of Canada Basketball. He always remained dedicated to his role as a referee, so much so that he founded a non-profit organization (Sports Officials Canada) dedicated to promoting excellence in sports officiating and acting as a collective voice for Canadian officials in every sport. These are only a few of Al’s accomplishments, but if he were still here, he’d ask me to stop bragging.
Allen remained humble in his journey. He also remained dedicated to his passion of the sport of basketball fighting to continue to stay involved with the Almonte based Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation even while dealing with his ailing health.
Al’s most lasting impression on all of us was his ability to make us smile. He always had a joke or quipy one-liner ready to lighten the mood, or, in the absence of a joke, all he needed to do was flash that boyish grin of his with that twinkle in his eye and it always seemed to do the trick.
We thank you, Al, for your dedication, your friendship and the spirit you always brought to the table, to the court and shared with all of us.
Board members of the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation
*A funeral service will be held in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa (East of the Vanier Parkway) on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Allen’s memory to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Photo courtesy of FIBA
NBA Canada visited the Friendly Town as part of a ongoing initiative called “NBA Cares” in order to contribute to the refurbishment of Almonte’s Augusta Street Park. NBA Cares and Bell Canada partnered on the project to help top off funds raised by the Almonte (now Mississippi Mills) community. Please enjoy the video NBA – Almonte and Basketball on the history of how the project came to be and the unfolding of the rest of that story….
2016 marks the 125th year of the invention of the game of basketball! The Foundation, along with other partners throughout Canada, are working together to plan a celebration lasting the entire year. Keep checking our site for updates on upcoming events!
Want to get involved with an event?
Send an email to volunteer@naismithbasketballfoundation.com.
**NEW EVENTS
November 13, 2016 – Happy Birthday James! A birthday party hosted in the town of Mississippi Mills (Almonte) free for children ages 6 to 9.
February 8, 2016 – YMCA releases “It Starts Here“; a story on how the game can support and empower people.
January 3, 2016 – The World Slamdunk Showdown: www.happybirthdaybasketball.com
Naismith Basketball Foundation 