EPS members took part in an All-Star game and tipped off against players from Edmonton Brothers Basketball (EBB). A local organization that provides mentorship for Muslim youth and has partnered with EPS through its Police and Youth Engagement Program. 

“The whole idea is that we can have officers come out and engage with youth from various communities and hopefully build some kind of long-lasting impact,” said Constable Abdirahman Kulmiye.

Sharmarke Abdul Karim of the EBB said the players were looking forward to the game for a long time. “Throughout the year, they’ve been asking me, ‘When we’re going to face the police again for fun?’”

However, Karim added that the outcome of the game was less important than the overall theme of the event: establishing relationships.

“That is the hope. To create that positive awareness. To create that positive relationship because they’re not coming in their uniforms. They’re coming in a different type of uniform…they’re also having fun with us and playing basketball.”