Removing financial barriers to accessing high-quality sports opportunities creates pathways for youth to build confidence, develop skills and find belonging through sport. Credit: City of Brampton
Through this partnership, THE BIG BREAK program will bring a free basketball camp to Brampton to reduce barriers to accessing sports opportunities for youth
The City of Brampton is teaming up with The Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation and its partner, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, to bring a special addition of the Nav Bhatia Fantasy Basketball Camp to Brampton for the first time.
Coming to the Brampton Soccer Centre during March Break 2027, THE BIG BREAK is a free camp that will support 100 youth from families facing financial barriers to accessing sport programming, connecting them with a high-quality basketball experience and an opportunity to build their skills, stay active and grow their love of the sport. THE BIG BREAK will give participants an immersive basketball experience that combines expert skills training and mentorship with lessons in teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship. Participants will receive an NBA-style experience, including custom uniforms, player introductions, daily giveaways and opportunities to connect with basketball personalities. Registration details will be announced later this fall.
The partnership builds on the City’s commitment to removing barriers to recreation and creating more opportunities for young people to discover sport, develop their skills and build lifelong healthy habits. The City will continue working with The Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation and its partner to deliver the camp and explore opportunities to enhance basketball amenities across Brampton.
Investing in sport and recreation in Brampton
As Brampton continues to grow, the City is investing in high-quality recreation facilities, programs and partnerships that give residents more ways to play, compete and stay active.
Recent investments and initiatives include:
- The new Century Gardens Youth Hub, which will expand dedicated spaces and programming for young people and include a new outdoor basketball half-court.
- Embleton Community Centre, a multi-use, multi-seasonal recreation destination in southwest Brampton, which includes a youth lounge, supported by a $64 million federal investment.
- Expanded year-round sport opportunities, building on the Rosalea Park Tennis Facility, which opened in fall 2024, by adding new indoor tennis courts at Gore Meadows East Community Park and Brampton’s first dedicated year-round cricket facility at Earnscliffe Park.
- Construction of the new 3.5-hectare Sandalwood Heights Adventure Park, which will feature Brampton’s first adventure playground and offer a variety of recreation, fitness and play opportunities for residents of all ages.
- Approximately 30 free sports equipment lockers at parks and recreation sites across Brampton through a partnership with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, making it easier for residents to get active without needing to own equipment.
Together, these investments and partnerships are helping Brampton build a large network of recreation programs and amenities that supports young athletes, strengthens communities and makes sport more accessible.
Quotes
“Brampton is a city that loves basketball and we are thrilled to welcome Nav Bhatia and THE BIG BREAK camp to our community. This partnership is about giving our young people an unforgettable opportunity to get on the court, build their skills and be inspired through sport, all at no cost to families. We continue to invest in the programs, facilities and partnerships that keep Brampton youth active, healthy and connected.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of recreation and sport. Bringing the Superfan Fantasy Basketball Camp to Brampton is another way we are removing barriers and creating welcoming opportunities for youth to participate, build confidence and feel connected to their community. We are proud to partner with the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation to bring this exciting experience to Brampton.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton
“Basketball has given me so much. It gave me a way to connect with people from every background and every part of the world. Now I want to give that opportunity to kids who may not have the means to attend basketball camps. THE BIG BREAK is about giving kids a place to play, learn, dream and, most importantly, belong.”
- Nav Bhatia, Founder, The Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation
“Every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sport, regardless of financial circumstances. Through partnerships with communities like Brampton, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is helping remove barriers to play and making it easier for young people to get active, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging. We are proud to support Brampton’s commitment to creating more accessible opportunities for youth to participate in sport and recreation.”
- Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
