| Locally the hottest team in the Valley without a doubt is the Vancouver Bandits who fill the Langley Events Center regardless of what day in the week they play. The one part about their game is the fan participation and interaction they create with the fan base and especially with the younger audience at the games. The league got its start with a concept or idea from Mike Moreale, a retired CFL player who had a 12-year CFL career in 1995 with Toronto was then traded to Hamilton in 1997 where he played for 5 seasons. His best season if you ask him was in 1998 grabbing 67 passes for 1076 yards finishing up play in the Grey Cup winning the MVP award. While his career took several turns he finished this season off stepping aside knowing the league would be in good hands. As with all other teams and clubs we are hearing that the Vancouver Bandits have “teamed up” with Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, in a groundbreaking partnership that redefines the fan experience and deepens community connections. Under this multi-faceted agreement, the Bandits’ home court at Langley Events Centre will officially be known as “Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre.” This move marks a significant milestone in the Bandits’ growth and underscores Envision Financial’s deep commitment to the communities of British Columbia. The relationship extends well beyond venue naming, aligning both organizations around culture, youth development, and community engagement. Bandits President Dylan Kular mentioned “This partnership with Envision Financial represents an investment in the long-term growth of basketball in British Columbia.” He continued “Their values align deeply with our commitment to community, accessibility, and creating meaningful experiences for families across British Columbia.” Beyond the naming rights, the partnership delivers impact:Heritage Series: Co-presented by Envision Financial, these marquee game nights will honour Indigenous, South Asian and Filipino communities, creating vibrant cultural celebrations for fans.School Tour: Envision Financial joins the Bandits Community Foundation to expand youth leadership and basketball education. Last season, the program visited 77 schools and hosted 12 free coaches’ clinics. Tamara Hendsbee, President at Envision Financial mentioned “Partnering with the Vancouver Bandits is about creating something meaningful together, ” continues “By bringing culture and sport to the forefront, we can help communities flourish and open doors for youth to learn and grow. Naming the court is just the beginning; through the Heritage Series and School Tour, we’re proud to work alongside the Bandits to deliver experiences that unite fans and build stronger communities across British Columbia.” This upcoming season the Bandits will carry forward this strategic collaboration with Envision Financial as a cornerstone of their game-day identity, cultural engagement and community legacy. |
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About Sportswave
Sportswave Productions is located in Delta, BC.
Sportswave promotes/broadcasts Amateur Sports within the Lower Mainland.
Sportswave Productions is owned and operated by Steve Erickson who has a long standing career within the broadcasting and refereeing for Minor League Sports in BC and across Canada.
Steve is recognized by his peers, associations, communities and colleagues for his endless contributions to multiple Amateur Sports within the Lower Mainland.
Steve was recognized as Volunteer of the Year Award by the Delta Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and inducted into the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
He was recognized by Ravi Kahlon, BC’s MLA Minister for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation in September 11, 2017.
In December 2022 he was Awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pin.
Awarded Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award for tangible for significant assistant given for the better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.
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