Whoever says sport is all about competition clearly did not get the same memo the Algonquin Thunder men’s basketball team did during their national championship run in British Columbia.

Finishing with the silver medal at the OCAA Championship and subsequently earning a Wild-card bid into the national championship, the group of talented young men turned their season’s goal of winning a national medal aside for two young fans and left a lasting impression that speaks volumes of their character.

Stacey Jeans son’s Spence and Noah were going to the game to cheer loud and proud for the Algonquin Thunder after their class was asked to adopt the team in an attempt to make them feel more at home during their tournament, but what they got was completely unexpected and prompted a warm letter from Stacey that summarized just what kind of a lasting impact student-athletes can really have on young fans.

“Congratulations again to you and all the players on your 3rd place victory this weekend.  


I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for acknowledging Spencer and Noah at the basketball games. To them, it meant the world and it impressed my husband and I more than I can tell you. 

To think that a group of young men would take the time to shake hands, high five etc. with two little kids like that is amazing. Your team of young man are amazing and they went above and beyond to make my kids feel so proud to have "adopted" them as their team. 

I was speaking with Joanne Hapke this morning (my son's teacher) and she said that your team really adopted my boys just as much as we adopted the team. For that I thank you. My kids were so excited to go to school this morning and show their friends the pictures and to tell them all about it. I don't know that many other teams would have embraced two little kids cheering for them the way your boys did, it was fabulous. 

Maybe one day our paths will cross again, I know, Spencer and Noah will never forget this wonderful experience.


Congratulations and thank you again,

Stacey Jeans”

Who know, maybe Spence and Noah will be future OCAA or CCAA men’s basketball players and if so, they have a group of young men from Ottawa to thank for taking the time to make them feel included and a part of a winning team.