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Community Courts
In partnership with Buckets & Borders, we support the refurbishment and maintenance of public basketball courts across Manitoba.
Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation
Hoops for Hope.
Basketball for Life.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation uses basketball to create access, confidence, and connection for young people across our province. Through programs, community partnerships, and place-based investment, we make the game more welcoming, more inclusive, and more impactful for youth and families in Winnipeg.
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Total courts refurbished by fall 2026
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Values guiding our work
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Province, one community
belong.
What we do
More than a game
Basketball can do more than build skills on the court. It can create confidence, connection, leadership, and belonging for young people across Manitoba. The Foundation exists to make that impact real — through youth access, community partnerships, and public spaces that welcome young people into the game.
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Youth Access
Removing financial barriers so more young people can take part in basketball as players, coaches, and officials — and benefit from everything the game offers.
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Programs That Belong
Creating experiences that help youth build confidence, connect with others, and feel part of something bigger.
Invest in the next generation through the power of basketball.
About us
Rooted in the spirit of the Sea Bears
The Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation was established to improve the health and well-being of youth in Manitoba through the power of basketball. We exist to expand access to sport, strengthen communities, and create meaningful opportunities for young people both on and off the court.
Rooted in the spirit of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, the Foundation brings together donors, sponsors, families, and community partners to help create a more inclusive and connected future through the game. We believe basketball is a platform for growth, resilience, and belonging.
Our work focuses on reducing barriers to participation, supporting youth development, and investing in community spaces where young people can play safely and confidently.
Our Vision
A Manitoba where every young person has the opportunity to play, grow, and belong through basketball.
Access
We work to remove barriers that limit participation in sport.
Community
We believe basketball can bring people and neighbourhoods together.
Belonging
We create welcoming spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and included.
Growth
We invest in opportunities that build confidence, leadership, and well-being.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of youth in Manitoba by removing financial barriers to sport, promoting opportunities to participate in basketball, and investing in public amenities that strengthen communities.
We advance this mission through youth programs, community partnerships, public court initiatives, and accessible experiences that help more young people benefit from the game.
Programs
Built for access & belonging
Our programs are designed to expand access to basketball and create stronger, healthier communities through sport. Many are made possible through sponsors and community partners whose support helps extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Community Courts · Partner
Buckets & Borders
Buckets & Borders brings basketball, community, and creative placemaking together — activating public spaces, strengthening neighbourhood pride, and creating visible, welcoming environments where young people feel encouraged to play and belong. This year, the Foundation is proud to refurbish courts at Gordon Bell High School and in Killarney, MB.
Youth Development · Presented by Blue Cross
Sea Bears Summer Clinics
Summer Clinics give youth the chance to build skills, confidence, and connection in a fun, positive, developmental environment — supporting healthy activity, teamwork, and personal growth while helping young athletes deepen their love for the game. Presented by Blue Cross, the program shows how corporate partnership can directly support youth wellness and accessible basketball.
Donate & support
Every gift opens the game
There are many ways to support the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation and invest in the future of Manitoba youth. Every gift helps remove barriers to sport, strengthen community spaces, and create more opportunities for young people to thrive through basketball.
For businesses & leaders
Partner & Sponsor
We welcome partnerships with businesses, organizations, and community leaders who want to make a visible, meaningful difference. Contact us to start the conversation.
At every home game
50 / 50
Purchase 50/50 tickets at Sea Bears home games. Half the pot goes to the winner — half goes to the Foundation to support Buckets & Borders courts.
Give directly
Make a Gift
Support youth access, community courts, and programs that belong. Every contribution helps more young people benefit from the game — on and off the court.
Our team
The people behind the mission
Our team is united by a belief in the power of basketball to create lasting change. Together with board members, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, we are building a Foundation that reflects the energy of the Sea Bears and the needs of communities across Manitoba.
Foundation Leadership · Executive Director
Katie Dicks
Katie Dicks is a community-minded leader who believes in the power of sport to create connection, confidence, and opportunity for young people. With more than a decade of experience in community relations, partnership development, event leadership, and program delivery, she has built a reputation for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together and strengthen communities.
Her background includes leading community campaigns, managing charitable donations and sponsorships, and developing youth and outreach programs — from school visits and reading programs to bullying prevention, family experiences, and game-day activations. The Foundation's focus on youth development and community connection through basketball aligns closely with her passion for building programs that make a lasting difference.
Known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach, Katie brings both heart and organization to her work. Through the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation, she is excited to help expand access to basketball, strengthen youth programming, and create opportunities that inspire the next generation.
Board of Directors
David Asper
Director
Ruth Asper
Director
We are committed to leading with purpose, acting with integrity, and creating opportunities that deliver real impact for young people.
Let's build it together
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're interested in donating, sponsoring a program, volunteering, or learning more about the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation, our team is ready to connect.