The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education presents the official “Prehistoric” book launch party at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport in collaboration with Alex Wong (UTSC 2007 BBA), a freelance writer and author based in Toronto who currently co-hosts and produces “The Raptors Show with Will Lou,” the number one basketball podcast in Canada.
Join us on October 26 for an evening of celebrating the release of “Prehistoric,” a book covering the origin story of the Toronto Raptors and how the arrival of an NBA franchise in Toronto changed the landscape of basketball in the city.
The evening will feature a Q&A with Alex Wong about the conception of this project, along with several panel discussions featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the branding and identity of the original Raptors franchise, and a conversation about the interaction of basketball and community in the city.
Panelists include:
- Shireen Ahmed, Multi-platform sports journalist, TEDx speaker, mentor, and award-winning sports activist
- John Bitove Jr., Founder of the Toronto Raptors
- Sam Ibrahim, President, Arrow Group of Companies and Co-Founder of the Scarborough Shooting Stars
- Tom O’Grady, Designer of the original Toronto Raptors logo
- David Peterson, Founding Chairman of the Toronto Raptors
- Tamara Tatham, Head Coach of U of T Varsity Blues Women’s Basketball
- Joseph Wong, Vice-President, International, U of T, and host of Joe’s Basketball Diaries
Tickets are $10 each. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the University of Toronto’s Indigenous and Black Student-Athlete Athletic Bursary. Additional donations to this scholarship are welcome and a tax receipt will be provided for all gifts $20 and above.
To celebrate this occasion, the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education has also partnered with local illustrator Tristan Douglas on a free commemorative poster which will be free for the first 50 people in attendance. Other art prints and photographs will be available for purchase on-site. As well, long-time Raptors memorabilia collector Kai Wang will be displaying his personal collection at the event. A collection of photographer Jon Carlo Tapia's photos from the Raptors championship season will be available for sale to commemorate the team's most memorable season and their journey to becoming historic. Contemporary artist Marcus Troy will be showcasing his latest painting which will be inspired by "Prehistoric" and the legacy of the Raptors.
Plus, all attendees will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 prizes, with winners being announced live at the event.
Prizes:
- One (1) pair of tickets for the Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics game on January 15, 2024
- Three (3) throwback Toronto Raptors jerseys courtesy of Mitchell & Ness
- One (1) OVO prize pack – includes a U of T-OVO hoodie
NOTE: Online registration for this event is now closed. If you still wish to attend this event, tickets may be available on the night of the event at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport Box Office/Ticket Booth at 100 Devonshire Place.