The inaugural St. Boniface Hospital (Research)/University of Manitoba Bison’s “Hoops From the Heart” event (August 12) was a resounding success! Over 500 spectators expressed their enthusiastic support for this event, witnessing 2 hard-fought and exciting games. The first game (won by the University of Winnipeg) went down to the last 2 seconds – with a buzzer beating desperation shot that didn’t go in but kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The University of Manitoba Bisons won by a slim margin as well. Stiff opposition to both teams was provided by Western Canadian University/College All-Star teams.
The all-star exhibition games were in support of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and Basketballs for Inner-City Kids. All proceeds from the event support cardiac research at St. Boniface Hospital and community outreach in Winnipeg’s inner-city.
The event was held at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, located at the University of Manitoba campus. The games showcased the best of Manitoba basketball players, while raising awareness for two important causes. Dr. Grant Pierce, St. Boniface Hospital Executive Director of Research, Professor of Physiology and Pharmacy, and Assistant Dean of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, was instrumental in planning and developing this event.