History of The West Island Lakers Basketball Association

The West Island Lakers Basketball Association (WILBA) is a non-profit organization which was started in the 1960’s. WILBA is committed in doing what is right for the players. In 1999 we started a girls league and today our membership averages at about 1000 members each year. The association offers an excellent house league as well as an amazing competitive program that has 11 Intercity teams competing in the Montreal Basketball League and the Quebec Basketball Federation.

We have programs for kids as young as 5 years old in Jr. NBA all the way to 18 in Juvenile division.

Coaches and assistant coaches receive training through clinics.

The referees and minor official staff are developed from within the organization.

In the mid 1990’s, the association started the House League All Star Day to showcase the enormous talent in the league. Each year since the initial event, All Star day has become bigger and better as more parents, grandparents and friends coming out to watch this spectacle. At each level the league convenors and coaches select the top players from their teams (for a total of 20 players per level). Each team is represented by a minimum of 2 players. The convenors select 2 honorary coaches from their level who best represent the spirit of the league. Games are played with equal participation, so that all players have the same number of shifts. The quality of games and atmosphere during the tournament is superb.

In 2001, the West Island Lakers Basketball Association became affiliated with the Sian Bradwell Fund. 100% of the money raised from the All Star is donated to the Fund, which purchases medical equipment for the Montreal Children’s Hospital to provide better diagnosis and treatment for children with cancer. Funds are raised through the sale of refreshments at the canteen, a prize draws, and the collection of donations. The weekend ends with an extremely popular “CELEBRITY GAME” that attracts hundreds of spectators.