As ILAC celebrates the one-year anniversary of our exciting partnership with the Toronto Raptors, we’re proud to look back at everything we’ve accomplished together — and even more excited about what’s ahead.
This collaboration has allowed our students to experience Canadian sports culture in a truly unique way, connecting them with one of the most iconic NBA teams and inspiring them to live, learn, and play like champions.
🏀 What We’ve Achieved So Far
Since the partnership began, ILAC students have enjoyed once-in-a-lifetime opportunities across our campuses and programs:
- November 2024: ILAC High School students trained at the IBM Court and toured Scotiabank Arena behind the scenes.
- February 2025: Young Adults students enjoyed the same exclusive experience.
- Spring 2025: The new High School term included both on-court training and a special coaching session with MLSE professionals.
- Social Media Giveaways: Students won premium Raptors tickets and exclusive team merchandise.
- Campus Visits: In December 2024, the beloved Raptors mascot visited both our High School and ESL campuses, spreading team spirit and joy.
- Tamwood Basketball Camp (Summer 2025): Students took part in weekly clinics with MLSE coaches, nutrition workshops on “eating like an athlete,” and another fun mascot visit.
We’re taking this partnership to the next level — bringing even more hands-on, high-energy experiences to ILAC students in Toronto and beyond.
- Monthly Basketball Clinics: Beginning October 24, ESL and High School students in Toronto can join free monthly basketball clinics led by MLSE professional coaches at Ball Matics Academy (near Ossington Station). Spaces are limited to 30 students per session — and the first one is already almost full!
- Premium Game Tickets: We’ll continue offering giveaways for key Raptors matchups — including Opening Night, Lakers, Bulls, and more — plus exclusive Raptors swag in alternating months.
- Volunteer Opportunities: ILAC High School students will soon have the chance to volunteer with the MLSE Foundation, gaining real-world experience while giving back to the community.
- MLSE Launchpad Access: We’re working to give students after-school access to the Launchpad, where they can play basketball and connect with Canadian youth.
- Mascot Visits: The Raptors mascot has already kicked off the fall term with our High School students and will return soon to meet ESL and HS students again.
- Agent Webinar (November 2025): We’ll host a special session featuring the MLSE VP of Partnerships, helping ILAC agents understand how this collaboration enhances the student experience.
- Vancouver Activation: After the success of our Raptors pre-season giveaway, we’ll continue engaging students with webinars about basketball and Canadian sports culture.
- Tamwood Basketball Camps 2026 : Expect even more energy next summer — two basketball clinics per week with MLSE trainers, mascot visits, and a Scotiabank Arena tour for every cohort.
- Special Events: The Raptors mascot will join us at CPF, possibly with the dance team, and we may welcome a special guest from MLSE to speak about the partnership’s impact.
💫 Building a Global Community Through Sports
Our partnership with the Toronto Raptors represents more than basketball — it’s about connecting students from around the world to Canada’s vibrant sports culture, teamwork, and leadership values.
From high school classrooms to university pathways and summer camps, ILAC students are learning what it means to be part of something bigger — both on and off the court.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this partnership a success. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
