The Welland Tribune featured a story about the Niagara International Friendship and Educational Exchange (NIFEE) who held their long-standing youth exchange basketball tournament between boys and girls aged 14-15 from Niagara and Japan at NC’s Welland Campus, August 10 and 11.
The article dives into how founder of NIFEE, Paul Faris, was inspired to start the annual tournament after a trip to Japan in 1981, his grade 12 year at Port Colborne High School. Since 1990, Faris has led the NIFEE as a way for youth from Niagara and Japan to experience one another’s cultures. Without a shared language, Faris says that players find a connection via sport.
NC’s Michele O’Keefe was a guest speaker at the 2019 tournament, widely considered an expert in basketball in Canada. This year, NC was able to provide in-kind space to NIFEE at the Athletics Centre for the games.
Mike Hurley, facilities coordinator with Athletics and Recreation, has strengthened NC’s connection with NIFEE over the years. Hurley, who himself played youth basketball with NIFEE in 1994, went on to coach several tournaments in Japan, and now helps to support NIFEE on behalf of the College.
“Niagara College has become a proud supporter of the NIFEE program and we were happy to host again this year.” The event, Hurley says, ties in well with NC’s values.
