Vancouver, BC — June 29, 2026 — The Asian Canadian Basketball Association (ACBA) officially launched the Bounce Back Mental Health Team Basketball Program at Creekside Community Recreation Centre, providing residents of Lookout Housing and Health Society with a supportive weekly exercise routine designed to improve mental well-being, physical health, social connection, and overall quality of life.
Supported by funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Community Gaming Grant, the program uses structured basketball activities, teamwork, peer encouragement, and positive coaching to support participants who may be experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, housing instability, or barriers to regular recreation.
The Bounce Back program is based on the belief that sport can be a practical and accessible part of mental health recovery. By offering a consistent weekly routine, the program gives participants opportunities to stay active, develop new skills, experience personal progress, and build positive relationships with teammates, coaches, and community members.
Recovery is not always a straight path,” said an ACBA representative. “Through basketball, participants can experience progress one practice at a time—showing up, supporting teammates, learning new skills, and rebuilding confidence. Bounce Back is designed to help people feel connected, capable, and valued.
Program sessions combine basketball fundamentals, fitness exercises, team-building activities, modified games, and opportunities for participants to reflect on their experience. Activities are adapted to different fitness levels, basketball backgrounds, and stages of recovery so that each participant can take part safely and meaningfully.
ACBA is delivering the program in collaboration with Lookout Housing and Health Society, Wave Basketball, and Journey Basketball. Each organization contributes valuable experience in resident engagement, basketball coaching, inclusive recreation, and community support.
Lookout Housing and Health Society helps connect residents with the program and supports ongoing participant engagement. Wave Basketball and Journey Basketball contribute coaching expertise and assist with the delivery of safe, encouraging, and accessible basketball sessions
The June 29 launch at Creekside Community Recreation Centre marks an important step in ACBA’s broader commitment to using sport as an innovative community-health tool. Through regular physical activity and team participation, the program aims to reduce isolation, strengthen healthy routines, support mental health recovery, and create positive social experiences for residents.
The Bounce Back Mental Health Team Basketball Program is projected to provide residents with an ongoing weekly exercise opportunity while building a stronger sense of belonging, confidence, and community participation.
ACBA thanks the Province of British Columbia for its Community Gaming Grant support and recognizes Lookout Housing and Health Society, Wave Basketball, Journey Basketball, the coaching team, volunteers, and participating residents for helping bring the program to life.
For program information, partnership opportunities, or future community-health basketball initiatives, contact:
Asian Canadian Basketball Association
Email: kobe.memory.bball.club@gmail.com
Website: www.kmbcsports.com
About ACBA
The Asian Canadian Basketball Association uses basketball and community-based sport to improve physical and mental well-being, strengthen social connection, support newcomer integration, develop youth leadership, and build more inclusive and resilient communities.