Team RCMP builds bonds with students for over 20 years by shooting hoops

Surrey

2024-06-27 13:40 PDT

Basketball is a popular sport at many schools in Surrey and Surrey RCMP has learned over the years it is not only a fun form of exercise, it can build bonds between students and law enforcement that last a lifetime.

It began with an idea twenty years ago by Constable Mike Spencer, who was working General Duty at the time. He thought it was important for police to build a rapport with the students before they head off to high school, and that something as simple as a basketball game could help build trust and rapport between police and students. Through the basketball program, ‘Team RCMP’ was born. Originally Team RCMP would focus on playing the grade 7’s – however it became obvious that the younger grades wanted to come in and cheer so soon thereafter, Team RCMP altered the program to play against the Grade 7’s in front of a gymnasium packed with younger students who have come out to joyfully cheer on their favourite team. Constable Spencer’s idea became a reality with the hope that shooting hoops with young students on the court could one day lead to those students becoming adults who feel comfortable speaking with police if they need assistance later in life.

The basketball program is still going strong today, with Surrey RCMP officers from varying units within the detachment participating – some newer to the program, and some who have been around for the better part of the 22 years it has been running. Many of these officers are so passionate about the impact these games have on the students, they volunteer to play on their days off.

Staff Sergeant Mike Spencer, is now in his 26th year at Surrey RCMP and he is now in charge of the Emergency Organizing and Planning Unit. When I started this program in 2002, we began playing at a couple of schools, but then through word of mouth, it has blossomed into the program it is today, says Staff Sergeant Mike Spencer. I run into kids who played in the game well after their Grade 7 year and they talk about it like it was yesterday. This program positively affects thousands of Surrey elementary school students each year, leaving a lasting impact for how these students feel about law enforcement in years to come, added Staff Sgt. Spencer.

The team of officers make their rounds after the winter break to a different interested school each week, routinely attending about 15 different elementary schools each year to play against grade 7 students over the lunch hour. The officers are greeted by gymnasiums full of students cheering on their favourite team. The games take on a life of their own, and the officers enjoy throwing some fun antics into the game, periodically bending the rules, or picking up and carrying one of their opponents under their arm down the court, leading to raucous cheers from the crowd.

At the end of the school year, Team RCMP presents the Team RCMP School Spirit Cup to the school that showed the best school spirit during their Team RCMP game. This year, Sunnyside Elementary School earned the award. On June 26, 2024, Staff Sergeant Spencer, Sergeant Jarjoura, Corporal Blakeway, and Cst. Vahra attended the school and presented the award to Principal Brandi Scott and the school.

Sunnyside Elementary School is grateful for the time Surrey RCMP officers spend with our school community building connections through sport, says Principal Brandi Scott. Each year the students look forward to playing in these matches against the officers. The officers do a great job as they put on a Harlem Globetrotters-type of performance on the court which is entertaining for all the students who come out to watch, added Scott.

Team RCMP wishes everyone a safe and fun summer!

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Email: surrey_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: surrey.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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