For two full days over spring break, VPD Constable and School Liaison Officer (SLO) Randy Lee proudly developed and hosted a comprehensive basketball camp for 120 grade 8 students from several East Vancouver high schools. The intention was to bring youth together from vulnerable neighbourhoods for a fun, active, and positive experience among peers and mentors.
Thanks to funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation, Cst Lee and Full Court Press hosted 60 boys and 60 girls at Britannia Secondary School alongside several additional VPD members. Several other founding community partners stepped up to provide meaningful support as well, including Victory Creative Group, Vancouver Bandits, Vancouver Basketball Foundation, and many others.
“The Vancouver Basketball Foundation and the Full Court Press initiative share a very similar through line – unlocking access to sport and driving positive impact for youth in the community we serve,” explains Vancouver Basketball Foundation Executive Director Megan Pinske, “So it was an easy yes when Constable Lee asked us to partner with him to help make it possible.”
Full Court Press initiative was inspired by Cst. Lee’s own high school basketball experience, and most notably inspired by his high school coach.
“A youth basketball camp is something I’ve always wanted to organize since becoming a police officer – an initiative where police officers can engage with youth through the game of basketball, building connection, having fun, and learning together,” explains Cst Lee.
“I grew up playing basketball in a small town, so I didn’t have all the benefits of growing up in a big city. While I had limited options for skill development and competition, I do recall the sense of camaraderie, support, and inclusion I felt being a part of something bigger. I ended up playing on my high school team until I graduated. My coach was a RCMP officer who volunteered their time out of love of the sport.”
Students at Full Court Press received expert coaching that included various basketball drills with a focus on ball handling, shooting, passing as well as strength and conditioning. Special guest coaches, including several VPD School Liaison officers and Vancouver Bandits Head Coach Kyle Julius, were keen to teach and engage with the students in a relaxed, athletic atmosphere.
“The energy in the gym was palpable, and all of the coaches were incredibly engaged,” says Julius of his Full Court Pres coaching experience. “The structure of the camp was fantastic, and the kids were clearly set up for success. I genuinely enjoyed working with everyone, and it was clear the kids were eager to learn and improve.”
With a full day of basketball and fun, Full Court Press also strategically encouraged conversations with students about making positive life decisions.
“We want to be there to support youth during the important transitional and developmental period in their lives,” added Cst. Lee.
Leaders from BC’s basketball community, including Pinske from the Vancouver Basketball Foundation, and Mark Starkey, CEO of Victory, also generously offered their time and energy with a sport-focused motivational presentation, helping to further inspire and educate the students. They highlighted the deep connections between sports, leadership, and community building.
“Victory worked closely with Constable Lee for over a year prior to the launch of Full Court Press,” explains Starkey. “Having Victory support with funding, event design, and product is important, but getting to meet and interact with student participants was definitely the most valuable element of our partnership.”
Pinske spoke directly to the all-girls group, engaging in conversation that also included topics around emotions and mental health.
“Before speaking with the girls’ group at Full Court Press, I was reflecting on how important camps like these are to help young people develop their confidence,” explains Pinske. “We had a great conversation about how to develop tools and techniques to overcome big, and often overwhelming emotions when we do things out of our conform zone. I was so impressed with the athletes’ willingness to share their experiences.”
Pinske’s conversation resonated strongly with participants.
“What was most memorable was when Megan came to talk to us about our feelings and how some things make us feel,” says Adria, a grade 8 student from Britannia Secondary. “The camp was fun and having lots of different people play together and having fun getting to know each other.”
In addition to basketball skills and mentorship, every participant also received transportation to and from Britannia, lunch, snacks, prizing, and an awards ceremony.
“I think it was really cool to be with people from different schools and getting to meet new people,” says Frank, a grade 8 student also from Briannia. “My favourite part of the day was the 3-on-3 Challenge.”
And it doesn’t stop there. On June 6, 2025, all Full Court Press participants are also invited to attend a Vancouver Bandits home game – an extension of the full day camp dubbed ‘Full Court Support’. They will once again receive round-trip transportation, snacks and beverages, and will even have an opportunity to engage with Bandits players and staff, as well as the same, familiar VPD School Liaison Officers they met in March.
All said and done, Full Court Press is aiming to foster a sense of connection, confidence, and positive belonging between youth, police members, and community leaders in order to inspire favourable relationships and smart, safe life-decisions – especially during their transitional years.
“As a member of the VPD and working as a School Liaison Officer at Britannia Secondary, I’m so proud to be able to give back to the community through basketball coaching and ongoing support, just as my own high school basketball coach once did,” adds Cst Lee.
“Constable Lee has a huge heart and he’s relentlessly pursuing a long-term platform for Vancouver’s young people,” says Starkey. “The Vancouver Basketball Foundation & Victory Creative Group remain focused and excited to support his initiatives over time. These projects are core to our mission and we’re so proud to be included in this community effort.”
All photos courtesy of Victory Creative Group
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
