WINNIPEG - Manitoba has been awarded the opportunity to host the 2010 and 2011 Canada Basketball National Championships at the 15U and 17U levels, Basketball Manitoba announced Tuesday. The province will be hosting the boys' championships in the summer of 2010 and the girls' in 2011, alternating the the genders with the other host site in Toronto.

Basketball Manitoba says it will partner with the University of Manitoba to stage the championships for both years. This summer's Boy's National Championships will occur Aug. 3-7 at the University of Manitoba. Manitoba last hosted a national championship of this level in 2003-04.

Basketball Manitoba, Canada Basketball and the University of Manitoba will join forces to welcome the top 250 basketball players int the 14-17 age range to Winnipeg.

“Canada Basketball would like to congratulate the University of Manitoba for being awarded the National Championships event, working in partnership with Basketball Manitoba,” said Canada Basketball Executive Director and CEO Wayne Parrish.

“As the national governing body for basketball, we are focused on the development and growth of the sport at all levels. The 17U & 15U National Championships provide an ideal forum to showcase the future of Canadian basketball and an excellent opportunity for athletes to gain recognition and competitive experience.”

"We are very excited to be bringing one of the premier basketball events to Manitoba the next two summers," said Basketball Manitoba Executive Director Adam Wedlake.

"We as a province have a long history of putting on world-class events and this one will be no different. Our national partner in Canada Basketball and our local partner in the University of Manitoba will allow us to put on the best show for the athletes, coaches, referees and visitors to our province."

After learning of the successful bid to host the championships, University of Manitoba Athletic Director Coleen Dufresne said, "The University of Manitoba is honoured to partner with Basketball Manitoba and Canada Basketball in hosting the Canada Basketball National Championships in both 2010 and 2011.

"This will be a tremendous boost to basketball across our province and within our university programs. The championship is a great opportunity to showcase our university, our basketball programs and our athletic facilities to the top young basketball players from across the country."

The National Championships allow developmental athletes aged 17-and-under and 15-and-under from all provinces and territories to compete in a national forum where they can showcase their talent and ability in a first-class competitive event. It also facilitates the identification of athletes for involvement in national team programs.

To stage the event, Basketball Manitoba is seeking help and support from the local basketball community. In the coming month, the organization will begin seeking volunteers to help in the following areas:

Equipment Management.

Facilities Preparation.

Minor Officials & Stats Crew.

Game Floor Support.

Medical.

Security.

Concessions & Merchandise Sales.

Hospitality.

Accreditation.

Communication, Media, Video, Photography.

Transportation.

Accommodations.

Meal Services.

Awards and Opening/Closing Ceremonies.

Details on these volunteer opportunities will be coming out in the next month, Basketball Manitoba says.