Canada brings Raptors Championship Floor to Victoria for Olympic Qualifier

Canada brings Raptors Championship Floor to Victoria for Olympic Qualifier

The floor on which the 2019 Toronto Raptors won their NBA Championship is right where it belongs—Canada. More specifically, Victoria.

In a New York Times article by Marc Stein published earlier this week, news broke that this year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (FOQT) in Victoria, BC will be played on the floor, which was purchased both for the event and as a legacy piece for the region.

“Acquiring this iconic basketball floor, and the incredible Canadian basketball history that unfolded on it, is already an important legacy from our local efforts to secure the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament,” said Clint Hamilton, Friends of Victoria Basketball. “I have no doubt that future Canadian success stories will unfold on this floor for years to come.”

Friends of Victoria Basketball began work on purchasing the floor in late 2019 when their bid to host the FOQT was secured. This summer’s tournament runs June 29 to July 4, with the winner securing one of the final berths in the men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo Games.