Basketball Lovers: Battle 416 Returns To Yonge-Dundas Square
Throughout the year, the Yonge-Dundas Square is home and host to numerous local, national and international events in Toronto celebrating culture, diversity, love, milestones and throwbacks, people, music, food, sports and so much more. As the Square continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year — we are reminded of what makes it so special — the people, cultures, residents, tourists, artists, and performers that come together.
With that being said, we are excited that Battle 416 is returning to the Square this coming weekend! From August 18-20, 2023, join us at the Square for a three-day weekend of fun, sportsmanship, basketball, music, fashion, competitions and special guest appearances! Entrance is FREE.
Battle 416 (presented by Battle Canada) began in 2018 and has since established a strong local following, garnered media attention and has developed support from community leaders, advocates and ambassadors for all of their events.
How it started
Battle 416 began in partnership with the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) and the Mabuhay Philippines Festival. The event was meant to highlight the deep-rooted love of basketball by Filipinos around the world. The initial tournament garnered unprecedented attention to the festival and attracted an audience previously unfamiliar with the event. Over the years, participants and audiences expanded to include more youth and a varying array of cultural backgrounds. The event proved to be a success given that there are no other 5 on 5 outdoor basketball tournaments being held in the Greater Toronto Area.
Special tournament celebrates frontline workers
Throughout the weekend, enjoy the music, food and fun with special guests and basketball tournaments. A not-to-miss special Tournament of Essentials will take place on Saturday, August 19 that will honour and celebrate those on the city’s frontline. Essential workers, represented by union members from the Toronto Transit Commission (ATU Local 113), Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Toronto Paramedics (TCEU Local 416), and Corrections Officers (OPSEU), will be participating and cheering on their colleagues from the sidelines.
Ryan Gonzalez, TTC operator and vice president of the Battle 416 board shares, “When I joined the TTC in 2019, I was excited to find there was a strong basketball culture among TTC employees. That is when I got involved with Battle 416. And like TTC operators, this love of basketball is shared among our fellow frontline workers. All of us at Battle 416 are looking forward to the Tournament of Essentials that celebrates people who work daily to keep the city moving, safe and healthy.”
For more information, visit the Battle 416 website.
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