A big thank you to Laura McCaffrey and University Advancement Communications for the great article covering the Safe Jam Basketball Tournament for Special Olympics.
Many people make this tournament possible and we’re proud of how far it’s come. The 3rd annual tournament will take place this fall, and will bring together law enforcement, security, and student partners in the spirit of sport for a good cause.
To protect, serve and help others Carleton’s Safe Jam Basketball Tournament Raises Money for Special Olympics Ontario
By Laura McCaffrey
Photos by Akintunde Akinleye
Welcome to the Safe Jam
Nicholas Saucier fell in love with basketball when he was just seven years old. He grew up playing the sport and it has remained a passion of his in his adult life. Now, as a special constable in Carleton’s Campus Safety Services, he has a new passion: to protect, serve and help others.
In the fall of 2017, Saucier found a way to marry these two interests to do something good. He created an event called Safe Jam, a charity basketball tournament that brings together members of the Ottawa community in order to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario. This year, eight teams participated in the tournament, including players from Campus Safety Services, Student Safety Patrollers, Carleton University’s Student Association (CUSA), Oliver’s Pub Security and the Ottawa Police.
Inspired by a Culture of Good
Special Constable Saucier was inspired to organize an event of this nature by the culture within his industry and department. Campus Safety Services prioritizes community partnerships, engagement and outreach, as is demonstrated in the department’s tagline: Protection Through Partnership 24/7. The department delivers various programs and initiatives throughout the year that are focused on giving back, such as preparing food hampers at Christmas for the Ottawa Mission and offering a new scholarship for criminology students at Carleton University.
“It’s big for our department to give back,” says Brian Billings, director of Campus Safety Services. “That’s one of the values we believe in. It’s all about community.”
The wider policing community in Ottawa also places a large emphasis on community engagement. “I used to work in a jail for young offenders and was a recreation officer for a period of time,” Saucier recollects. “In that role, I saw how sport can bridge gaps, connect people and build a sense of community.
“I currently play for the Ottawa Police Hoopstars basketball team, which connects law enforcement with youth in Ottawa through friendly basketball games,” Saucier continues. “I’ve seen first-hand the impact I can have through sport and volunteering, which helped inspire the Safe Jam concept.”
The organizing committee was also able to secure substantial in-kind support from the community; various sponsors agreed to donate prizes to be given out to attendees of the tournament. “We’ve received amazing support both on and off campus,” says Saucier. “The prizes poured in this year: Sens tickets, meal vouchers from Ollie’s Pub, Ravens tickets from Athletics, free haircuts from [Jay’s Barber Shop] in Ottawa.” Other sponsors included University Services, Carleton University Bookstore, CUSA, #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, Premium Suites and Rodney’s House.
Making a Difference
What started as a grassroots initiative spearheaded by an individual who wanted to make a difference has grown as the result of partnerships and collaboration; like-minded people at Carleton and beyond want to contribute in order to support the important cause.
In Nick Saucier’s mind, the tournament provides a relatively easy way for people to get involved and to positively contribute to their community.
“It’s a no-brainer,” he said of participation in the tournament. “For me, being Here for Good means being here for more than just work—not just punching in and punching out. It’s about doing something bigger than you in order to make an impact in the community. It’s all about making positive community contacts.”
Connect with Campus Safety Services:
Website: https://carleton.ca/safety/ | Facebook: Campus Safety Services – Carleton University | Instagram: @cusafety | Twitter: @CarletonSafety
For more Carleton University community engagement news, including success stories and partnership opportunities, visit the Hub for Good!
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