Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, a time for togetherness and a time for family.
But for one Campbell River family, the holiday takes on another meaning. Jonah Shankar was a basketball player from Carihi Secondary who was afflicted by cancer. He passed away from the illness in 2021. Started in 2018, the annual Jump for Jonah Basketball Tournament takes place on Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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His father, Cleon, says the annual tournament is to show the community thanks for rallying around Jonah during the fight for his life.
“It is an opportunity to recognize and give back,” said Cleon. “This town stepped up to help a young man and his family in his battle against the disease.”
Entry fees are $400 and the tournament is co-ed. The tournament is organized by the Shankar family, the Carihi Secondary Sports Leadership students, local referees and dedicated teachers, such as Dana Dunsmore and Todd Barnes.
“Jonah was a dedicated basketball player,” said Dunsmore. “He and his family always were and continue to be heavily involved with basketball programs at Phoenix Middle School and Carihi.”
Games will be five players a side, with standard basketball rules. However, two members of each gender must be on the court at all time. For example, some teams can have three men and two women on the court at one time, and vice versa.
Proceeds of the event will go toward Cameryn’s Cause and the Island Kids Cancer Association.
“These are both amazing charities that helped us when Jonah got sick,” said Cleon. “We encourage donations to either of these charities in Jonah’s name.”
Anyone in the community is allowed to play, as there is no age requirement. Cleon says he often sees colleagues play together.
“We have had teams of teachers, of firemen and nurses, which is great,” said Cleon. “It’s nice to see everyone get out together and enjoy some basketball.”
Jonah’s local impact of the game of basketball influenced his siblings to play. His younger brother Marcus is currently playing for the Trinity Western Spartans of Trinity Western University in Langley, in Canada’s U Sport.
“Jonah loved being in the gym,” said Cleon. “I know he would be happy knowing the gym is full of his friends every Thanksgiving.”
To register a team, contact Dana Dunsmore at Dana.Dunsmore@sd72.bc.ca or Todd Barnes at todd.barnes@sd72.bc.ca