Canada Basketball has announced the
appointment of Howard Kelsey as its new Executive Vice-President
effective November 15, 2010.
Kelsey is a passionate basketball enthusiast, Team Canada alumnus,
Olympian and successful business executive who is committed to building
the sport in Canada. His appointment comes at a time when the growth of
the sport is building momentum and the national governing body strives
to strengthen and leverage its flourishing grassroots programs to
ultimately deliver success internationally. Kelsey will serve as Canada Basketball’s representative in western
Canada, focusing on three key areas: developing and managing Canada
Basketball events in western Canada; working to build the base of
partners, sponsors and supporters in the west; and actively promoting
and marketing Canada Basketball within the media, sports and basketball
communities, throughout the west but most critically Vancouver.
Kelsey had an illustrious career in as a national team player. He donned the red and white for eleven straight years playing against some of the greatest basketball players to hit the hard-court, from Patrick Ewing, Isaiah Thomas to Michael Jordan to Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. He was a member of the 1983 Canadian team that won gold at the World University Games. The two-time Olympian is one of British Columbia’s most successful athletes and now is making great strides off the court in the business of the sport.
In 2000, Kelsey founded the H.S.B.C Classic, one of the premiere high-school basketball events in the country. Along with his team, Kelsey envisaged an annual tournament like no other in Canada, integrating enthusiastic corporate partners with the glitz and glamour of NCAA/NBA style fanfare and entertainment, to deliver multiple levels high-flying basketball competition. This successful formula has propelled the H.S.B.C Classic to being one of the most highly anticipated events in British Columbia, and is a model that could expand to other communities.
John Mills, General Manager of Richmond Olympic Oval, Board of Director for Canada Basketball and Team Canada alumnus added “I have had the good fortune to observe Howard Kelsey’s achievements through his entire career, which has been characterized by competitive excellence and achievement on the court and off. To see his energies now applied to Canada Basketball is most gratifying.”
Kelsey is eager to get started with his new role. “Our principal goal is obviously on the court: We want to systematically work to return our men's and women's teams to FIBA prominence. We also will look to energize and excite our community, the media, sponsors, donors, our alums/extended community and families.”
For Kelsey, joining Canada Basketball is somewhat of a homecoming of sorts. “'It feels great - like I'm coming full circle. I look forward to serving our country and helping make Canada Basketball stronger - from coast to coast.”
appointment of Howard Kelsey as its new Executive Vice-President
effective November 15, 2010.
Kelsey is a passionate basketball enthusiast, Team Canada alumnus,
Olympian and successful business executive who is committed to building
the sport in Canada. His appointment comes at a time when the growth of
the sport is building momentum and the national governing body strives
to strengthen and leverage its flourishing grassroots programs to
ultimately deliver success internationally. Kelsey will serve as Canada Basketball’s representative in western
Canada, focusing on three key areas: developing and managing Canada
Basketball events in western Canada; working to build the base of
partners, sponsors and supporters in the west; and actively promoting
and marketing Canada Basketball within the media, sports and basketball
communities, throughout the west but most critically Vancouver.
“Howard’s passion and drive in promoting the game of basketball in the west is unparalleled,” said Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO for Canada Basketball. “He will bring a tremendous amount of energy to our organization as we continue our efforts to build the game across the country particularly with the youth and our distinguished alumni.”
“I'm very excited to return to Team Canada and don our Canada Basketball jersey once again,” stated Kelsey. “As a passionate alumnus and member of Jack Donohue's ‘golden years’ national team in FIBA, it is very important to give back and help open doors for our next generations. The future looks very promising and we will need our entire nation to simply step up, link arms and get on board the Canada Basketball 'train'.”
Kelsey had an illustrious career in as a national team player. He donned the red and white for eleven straight years playing against some of the greatest basketball players to hit the hard-court, from Patrick Ewing, Isaiah Thomas to Michael Jordan to Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. He was a member of the 1983 Canadian team that won gold at the World University Games. The two-time Olympian is one of British Columbia’s most successful athletes and now is making great strides off the court in the business of the sport.
In 2000, Kelsey founded the H.S.B.C Classic, one of the premiere high-school basketball events in the country. Along with his team, Kelsey envisaged an annual tournament like no other in Canada, integrating enthusiastic corporate partners with the glitz and glamour of NCAA/NBA style fanfare and entertainment, to deliver multiple levels high-flying basketball competition. This successful formula has propelled the H.S.B.C Classic to being one of the most highly anticipated events in British Columbia, and is a model that could expand to other communities.
John Mills, General Manager of Richmond Olympic Oval, Board of Director for Canada Basketball and Team Canada alumnus added “I have had the good fortune to observe Howard Kelsey’s achievements through his entire career, which has been characterized by competitive excellence and achievement on the court and off. To see his energies now applied to Canada Basketball is most gratifying.”
Kelsey is eager to get started with his new role. “Our principal goal is obviously on the court: We want to systematically work to return our men's and women's teams to FIBA prominence. We also will look to energize and excite our community, the media, sponsors, donors, our alums/extended community and families.”
For Kelsey, joining Canada Basketball is somewhat of a homecoming of sorts. “'It feels great - like I'm coming full circle. I look forward to serving our country and helping make Canada Basketball stronger - from coast to coast.”