The Jasper Lakers is challenging other teams to join in the second annual co-ed basketball tournament on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the high school.

Organizer and player Dezy Godfrey, who works for Jasper Park Lodge and is originally from Jamaica, said the tournament is a great way to get involved in an activity over the winter. “People love basketball here, and not everybody can skate,” he said.

Ideally, the tournament will include a team each from Valemount, Hinton, JPL, Mountain Park Lodges, as well as the Jr./Sr. High School. 

The Jasper Lakers, a team of 16 players who are mostly JPL or MPL employees, are aiming to play Banff, Lake Louise and Edmonton teams over the winter. 

Godfrey said everyone is welcome to come out and play. “As long as they shoot the ball,” he said, smiling. “And as long as they love the game and work as a team.”

The Lakers practice every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the high school gym. Players interested in joining can attend a practice or call Godfrey at 780-931-2753.