Community Corner

Northwestern Ontario hoopers come out to support the life of Chuck Schmitt

Basketball players from around the region congregated in Dryden this past weekend to celebrate Dryden basketball legend Chuck Schmitt. Chuck was an incredibly active supporter of basketball in Sioux Lookout and Dryden coordinating games and tournaments over the past 30 years. Chuck himself competed at the OFSAA basketball championships over 30 years ago with his local high school team. In later years Chuck was very active in recruiting health professionals to northwestern Ontario through his work at NOSM. He also served as an on ice official at countless Ice Dogs, Sioux Bombers and high school hockey games. Universally, Chuck was renowned as a fair and quality on ice official. He was always ready to travel officiating in Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and northern communities if the games were contigent on finding an official. 
The weekend celebrated the life and memory of Chuck with games and a 3 point contest. Stephen Laidlaw emerged in first place for the 3 point contest and the team of “Schmitt’s Raptors” emerged victorious in the tournament. It was fitting that the Raptors were led by two players that Chuck coached: Gus Brosseau and Tanner Montgomery. Over $8000 was raised for a bursary in Chuck’s name and will also go towards supporting local athletics. The tournament plans to return in 2025 with an expansion in the number of teams. Please follow the Chuck Schmitt Memorial Basketball Tournament Facebook page for updates and our 2025 dates. 
Submitted by Adam Moir