Ahead of the first Olympic contest for Canada’s men’s basketball squad in over two decades, the team decided to step away from the court for a bit.
The national team made a trip to a historical site on Thursday, where Canada once stood victorious during the First World War. Vimy Ridge was considered an important observation point and industrial region in Northern France — and the victory was seen by many as a defining moment for Canada.
Winning the Battle of Vimy Ridge earned Canadian troops a reputation as formidable and resilient, as the small contingent accomplished what other, larger allied forces couldn’t. It was a victory that came at a heavy cost, however, as more than 10,000 Canadian soldiers were killed or wounded.
That sacrifice was clearly not lost on the Canadian men’s basketball team, as they made the short trip from Lilles, France, to Vimy Ridge to pay their respects.
Canada Basketball shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), showing Kelly Olynyk and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sharing a moment of silence atop the tribute site. The team also brought a Canadian flag with them and took a team photo.
And in less than 48 hours, the team will open its 2024 Olympic campaign, hoping to medal for the first time in nearly a century. The men’s team last medalled at the 1936 Olympics in Germany, when it took home silver.
Despite that, and the fact it’ll be the men’s first Olympic appearance since 2000, expectations will be high. After finishing third in the FIBA World Cup just last year, and carrying an even more talented roster now, the path to a medal is visible.
Their pursuit of that goal will begin on Saturday against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece as part of Group A action. Spain and Australia are the other two squads in the group.
The Canada Men’s Basketball Team recently took a break from their rigorous training schedule to visit the historic site of Vimy Ridge before their Olympic opener. The team, led by head coach Nick Nurse, wanted to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I.
Vimy Ridge holds a special significance for Canadians as it was the site of a major battle in April 1917 where Canadian forces achieved a significant victory over the German army. The battle is often seen as a defining moment in Canadian history and a symbol of national pride.
The players and coaching staff were deeply moved by their visit to Vimy Ridge, where they were able to walk through the preserved trenches and see the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which stands as a tribute to the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France during World War I and have no known grave.
“It was a humbling experience to visit Vimy Ridge and pay our respects to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said team captain Cory Joseph. “It really puts things into perspective and reminds us of the importance of representing Canada on the world stage.”
The visit to Vimy Ridge served as a powerful reminder for the team of the values of sacrifice, courage, and unity, which are also essential in sports. The players hope to carry this spirit with them as they compete in the upcoming Olympic Games and strive to make their country proud.
As they prepare for their Olympic opener, the Canada Men’s Basketball Team is not only focused on winning games but also on honoring the legacy of those who came before them. Their visit to Vimy Ridge has inspired them to give their all on the court and to embody the same spirit of determination and resilience that characterized the soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge over a century ago.