Basketball officiating is often a local commitment, but sometimes, the passion for the game takes referees beyond their usual courts. This was the case for a group of referees, which included three MMBRA referees - François Loignon, Bridget Mbaya, and Shaun Pearce - who, along with Montreal referees Louis Barbot and Erica Zidor, embarked on a journey to Oujé-Bougoumou in northern Quebec to officiate the Cree School Board Championships.
The crew departed late Thursday night at midnight, braving an eight-hour overnight drive through the northern landscape. Upon arrival, the referees were met with a warm welcome from tournament organizers and players eager to compete, despite the -25 degree weather. The championship brought together teams from various inland and coastal Cree communities: Chisasibi, Mistissini, Nemaska, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waskaganish, and Waswanipi.
Beyond the games, the trip offered a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. The referees gained a deeper appreciation for the Cree community and the impact basketball has in uniting people.
As they made the journey back to Montreal, the officials reflected on an unforgettable weekend. Officiating in Oujé-Bougoumou was more than just a chance to referee-it was a meaningful contribution to a growing basketball culture and a reminder of the power that sport has to connect communities.
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