Raptors, Leafs Alumni coming to London to rally against hate
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment hoping to help support London and the city’s Muslim community following this past summer’s horrific tragedy.
(Photo: Budweiser Gardens).
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) officials know that one weekend won’t heal a mourning city, but they hope an event bringing two of the country’s most popular teams to the Forest City will be a reminder of the power of sport to bring people together.
“MLSE and its teams wanted to show support to London and the Muslim community following the tragic events this past summer and use our teams’ voices to stand against hate, violence and racism,” said Teri Dennis-Davies, Senior Vice President of People & Inclusion at MLSE.
On Saturday, Oct. 2, the Toronto Raptors will hold an open practice at Budweiser Gardens. The following day, Sunday, Oct. 3, Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni will face each other in a game that will include former stars Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker, Tomáš Kaberle, Nik Antropov, and Rick Vaive.
Due to current health and safety protocols, capacity at Budweiser Gardens for both events will be limited to 1,000 people with a minimum donation of $20 required for the Raptors open practice and a ticket price of $20 for the Maple Leafs Alumni game. Proceeds will benefit MLSE Foundation’s Change the Game campaign.
On June 6, the nation was shocked by the planned killing of five members of a London family out for an evening walk in Hyde Park. Salman Afzaal, 46; Madiha Salman, 44; their daughter Yumna, 15; and grandmother Talat Afzaal, 74, died in the attack. The couple’s son, Fayez, 9, was left seriously injured.
The event was the deadliest attack in the city’s history.
“I will remain forever grateful for the love and support my family has received. My aunt, Madiha Salman, was the epitome of strength, the embodiment of hard work and a pillar for her community,” said Hajra Najam, family member. “An event like this, which champions community and stands for anti-hate, is a perfect way to honour her legacy.”
Dennis-Davies said she hopes MLSE’s commitment extends outside of its venues and beyond this one weekend. “(We want to) help the members of this and all communities heal and move forward, while putting a focus on providing equitable access to sport for youth and reminding them they are all welcomed across all our teams,” she said.
Towards that end in London, MLSE and MLSE Foundation are working with the City of London and the local Muslim community to develop a legacy infrastructure project in the city. Details of the project will be announced that weekend.
“The London community is very pleased to work with MLSE to provide leadership, engage our youth and unite the community through the power of sports at a difficult time to combat hate in all its forms,” said Nusaiba Al-Azem, Second Vice Chair, London Muslim Mosque.
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