Looking Back: The Launch of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Foundation
In the early 2000s, the WMBA created a charitable arm — the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Foundation — to leave a lasting legacy for young athletes in our city. With over 4,000 children participating each year, the WMBA had already become one of Winnipeg’s largest sports associations, and the Foundation gave us a new way to support players and the basketball community.
The Foundation’s first major goal was ambitious: build five outdoor court complexes across Winnipeg. Funded by a $50 per team legacy fee, along with support from government, sponsors, and donors, the project was completed with durable, regulation courts designed for year-round use.
Over time, the Foundation expanded its impact through:
Community Club Subsidy - helping centres improve basketball facilities and programs.
Foundation Scholarships - supporting student-athletes pursuing higher education.
Bruce Russell Coach of the Year Award - recognizing outstanding volunteer coaching.
These initiatives continue to strengthen the basketball community and ensure the WMBA’s legacy lives on.
IT ALL STARTED FOR FUN
The fall of 1997 Winnipeg community clubs saw the potential and got on side.
After five years of living away in Victoria and Calgary, Mike Ruta returned with his family to Winnipeg in August 1997 but not before observing community basketball played in both cities. Seperate from high school and elite provincial basketball Victoria and Calgary had developed community programs for both male and female youth involving teams selected in community centres throughout the city. Starting at age five, teams were organized and played at local schools in one-hour intervals involving referees, gym supervisors, coaches and practices throughout the season ranging from October to April.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH WMBA FOUNDER MIKE RUTA
Darcy Coss Podcast Host Basketball Manitoba interviews Mike Ruta who is considered the "Father of the WMBA", as he led the formation of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association in 1997 and become the league's first president. His vision was to provide a structured basketball league for Winnipeg area youth outside the school system and open for all to participate.
Considered the "Father of the WMBA", Mike led in the formation of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association and became the league's first president. His vision was to provide a structured basketball league for Winnipeg area youth, outside the school system, and open for all to participate.
The league tipped off on November 29th, 1997. With 40 teams, based out of 12 community centres. In its second season, it had grown to 97 teams out of 25 centres and added its first Spring League in April, 1998. The Spring League of 2008 saw a record high of 310 teams. With its Fair Play Policy, it has given many more young people an opportunity to play basketball and has in past years included a Rising Stars Elite division, Steve Nash Youth Basketball, a Senior Spring League, and a section of the Wesmen Classic.
Furthermore, the WMBA Foundation has built outdoor basketball courts, awards scholarships to graduating players, and provides subsidies for players and community clubs in need. Mike was also named the Sport Manitoba Volunteer of the Year in 1997 and has been inducted into the WMBA Hall of Fame and Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Dale was an instrumental part of the founding of the Association back in 1997 where he served as its first Vice President alongside Mike Ruta. Dale started the community club basketball program out of Waverly Heights Community Centre (now South Winnipeg Community Centre) and led the league to offer its first spring league in 1999. He brought his outstanding technology skills to the table in developing different scheduling systems that are still used to this day by the league.
Basketball Manitoba and the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association were saddened to announce the passing of one of the founding members of the WMBA, Dale Gamey in February of 2018. He was a passionate volunteer who always focused on what was best for the children of the league and will be greatly missed by the basketball community.
Reid Kenyon (HEAD REFEREE ASSIGNOR)
Reid began his involvement with the WMBA 25 years ago, recommended by Rod Peppler to fill the role of assignor for the league. Though initially "green," they were eager to contribute and have enjoyed every moment of their time with the WMBA and its community. The league experienced remarkable growth in its early years, which presented challenges in keeping up with its demands, but Reid embraced the journey.
Over the course of his referee career, Reid has had the opportunity to officiate games locally, nationally, and internationally. Early on, he was given numerous opportunities to develop at every level, which laid the foundation for a rich and varied career. From high school courts in East Kildonan to international arenas in South America and Europe, Reid has experienced countless highlights, including officiating The Dream Team at Madison Square Garden.
Currently, Reid remains very active at the university level and will be attending their 15th national tournament in April, representing Canada West in the Men's U Sports National Championship. With his referee career now closer to its conclusion than its start, they cherish every moment of involvement. These experiences at every level have shaped Reid both as a referee and as a WMBA Referee Supervisor. He takes pride in the program developed to support grassroots officiating, which reflects the WMBA’s broader impact—not only on players but also on the referee community.
For 25 years, Reid has served on the WMBA board, now the longest-standing member since the league’s inception. His focus has always been on officiating, and he also represents the WMBA on the provincial referee board, the Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials. Over the years, Reid has organized numerous referee development camps in Winnipeg and served as a clinician at many camps across Western Canada.
Reid credits much of his early development to the leadership of Rod Peppler, whose passion for new officials inspired the creation of the Junior Development of Referees Clinic and Mentorship Program—a backbone for young officials starting in the WMBA today. The officials group within the WMBA reflects Peppler’s lasting influence.
In his career, Reid has officiated 14 national championships in Canada, including the gold medal game in four of them, with hopes of a fifth this year. Internationally, representing Canada allowed them to travel extensively and be present at key moments in the sport. He have been nominated three times for Manitoba Official of the Year, winning in 2015.
Reflecting on 25 years, Reid takes pride in seeing the WMBA grow from Mike Ruta’s vision into the thriving league it is today. More than half of Manitoba’s current officials began in the WMBA, many of the province’s top officials starting their careers in this league. The WMBA has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of officiating in Manitoba, and Reid is proud to have contributed to that legacy.
Written in 2022
Hoopfest
The idea for the event came up to the WMBA board table as an idea on how to add to and enhance the scope of the league by then President Mike Ruta.
In 2001, Hoopfest was organized and brought to fruition by WMBA founding member Larry Kabez (Vince Leah), Secretary of the Association at the time. Larry took the idea and with the help of a handful of individuals who he recognized as key contributors to the league - coaches, convenors, and those of high basketball knowledge, was able to set up a committee to shape the concept. The role of Adam Wedlake (Basketball Manitoba) of Basketball Manitoba was pivotal in these planning discussions. The idea of stations with focus on essential basketball skills became the format for Hoopfest. Larry then planned the logistical timeline for the scheduling in order to execute the event in a smooth fashion. With the help of Lori Hiscock (Gateway) and Jan Mashinter (now Jan Voss) (Valley Gardens) appropriate participation, recognition, and prize awards were assembled.
Jerry Ross was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies. Jerry kept the days proceedings in fluid motion.
A list of station volunteers, who changed every 2 hours throughout the day was also compiled by Larry. These station volunteers tallied scores and communicated results to the head table.
Catering for all day volunteers and medical first aid on site was also on Larry's preparation slate. The event proved to be a tremendous success providing fun and enjoyment for the participants and has been implemented by the league annually to date.