A basketball coach at New Westminster Secondary is giving the community 50,000 reasons why it should attend the school's Grade 9 boys' home opener on Monday, Nov. 27.
Francis Yee, named to the Hyacks' staff this off-season, has organized a half-time contest that evening with a five-figure prize up for grabs: $50,000.
A contestant, selected at random, will need to complete a four-shot parlay in under 30 seconds to win the cash. This includes a lay-up, a free throw, a three-pointer and a half-court shot.
More about the contest rules at the bottom of the story.
And yes, this is taking place during a Grade 9 basketball game. Why?
Stereotypically, fans of high school sports are more drawn to senior girls' and boys' games for their competitive edge, louder atmospheres and, what could be argued as, higher stakes.
Yee believes it's time to bring excitement back to all levels of high school sports and for the community to show its support for athletes of all ages.
"We have an great group of kids this year that work hard and are dedicated. In addition, they are pretty darn good," he told the Record.
"Because we expect a good turnout, it is a fantastic way for everyone of all ages, young and old, to engage with the community, connect with friends and family, and support our city's youth."
Yee added "all New West fans on deck" would be extremely encouraging as the Hyacks are set to face the Burnaby South Rebels — a long-standing rival of NWSS — in the home opener.
"We are encouraging all fans to wear orange coloured clothing to all Hyacks games to show their pride."
Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 in the NWSS main gym.
Why so much money?
Yee is also the head coach of the New West Eagles youth basketball team.
He explained the idea for the $50,000 contest came while connecting with various organizations that support the club's mission to provide an accessible program for struggling families of young athletes. Six of the 15 Eagles' players from the summer are suiting up for the orange and black in the 2023-24 campaign.
AON Reed Stenhouse, a global insurance broker, stepped up to the line to Yee's idea and are providing the winnings, should the contestant complete all four shots.
"I wanted to make the amount high enough to get lots of people out because I feel the turnout and enthusiasm at the home opener sets the tone for the whole season," said Yee. If successful, he hopes to plan six more contests with the same stakes.
Yee's inspiration also stems from watching the half-time contests at Vancouver Grizzlies' games during the former NBA franchise's six-season stint.
"Even though they were perennially at the bottom of the standings and lost by more than 20 points on a regular basis, people would always have an awesome time at the games because of contests, promotions and other entertainment," he explained.
"I wanted to bring back some of that magic and put it into the NWSS program."
Who can win?
Yee said fans of all ages are eligible to be selected to participate and potentially win the $50,000 prize.
This includes children under 18 years old with consent from a parent or legal guardian.
However, Yee noted the contestant can not be someone that's playing or used to compete in professional, university or high-school basketball in the last five years.
A questionnaire will also be required to declare eligibility.
