Posted on Oct. 31: McMaster hosts Canada’s largest university basketball game in conjunction with world’s largest anti-bullying seminar

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Marauders_Basketball_opt.jpg” caption=”Marauders”]McMaster University, in partnership with the Hamilton Police
Service, hosted the world's largest anti-bullying seminar Thursday with more than 10,000 Grade 6, 7 and 8 students from Hamilton and Halton region participating.

The seminar included the educational theatre production, The Diary, which addresses the physical, emotional and relational effects of bullying and victimization that are relevant to adolescents. The Diary was commissioned by the Community Child Abuse Council of Canada to be the flagship production for their Educational Theatre Program, and was sponsored in part by a grant from the National Crime Prevention Initiative. McMaster psychology professor and international bullying expert Tracy Vaillancourt and her 200 trained student volunteers facilitated group discussion with the classes attending.

“This event sends a clear message to our youth about how their community does not expect them to deal with bullying on their own,” said Vaillancourt. “Rather, bullying is a community problem that is best dealt with using a community-wide approach that promotes awareness and understanding. This event also highlights how the community and the University can join forces to make a positive change in the lives of children.”

The presentation was followed by the McMaster University men's basketball home opener versus the University of New Brunswick.

Community ticket sales pushed the attendance for the game to over 11,853, setting a new Canadian university basketball attendance record. It eclipsed the 1978-79 mark of 11,000 for the national championship at the Halifax Metro Centre featuring the Acadia Axemen and the St. Mary's Huskies. McMaster won the game by a score of 72-63.

Marauder basketball coach Joe Raso was thrilled with the response to the inaugural initiative. “This event shows us the power of university sport because it allows us to send an important message in a unique and memorable teaching situation. This is the best example I have ever been involved with that shows the University and the community working together.”

The event was supported by McMaster University, Hamilton Police Service, the Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Incorporated (HECFI), the McMaster Student Union, the McMaster psychology department and Nike Canada.

McMaster President Peter George lauded the initiative as an excellent
example of the McMaster and Hamilton communities working together towards a common goal.

“This partnership represents the best of University-community partnerships and reinforces our commitment at McMaster to create an inclusive community that enables individuals to make a difference,” President George said.

Hamilton Police Service Chief Brian Mullan indicated that this event is part of the Hamilton Police Service's working proactively with the
community.

Photo caption: The Marauders take on the University of New Brunswick in yesterday's season opener, and win 72-63. Photo credit: Tommy Piribauer