Community Leader Norval McConnell to Chair Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee 2023-07-19
Events Moncton and On Ice Entertainment are pleased to announce the formation of a Community Activation Committee in preparation for the first-ever Atlantic Slam NCAA Division 1 College Basketball Tournament. The Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee will be focused on enhancing the Atlantic Slam fan experience through community engagement events for residents, businesses, and visitors, while fostering a profound sense of community spirit throughout the city.
Composed of esteemed community leaders, the Community Activation Committee will be spearheaded by local community leader, Norval McConnell. Norval has spent his career developing sports, inspiring students, and making a lasting impact on education. His passion for his community is evident in his involvement with numerous organizations and programs. His outstanding leadership has been recognized by both sporting and community organizations, earning him numerous prestigious awards.
“Norval McConnell is a dedicated community leader, and basketball is at the core of his community impact. His passion for basketball transcends the boundaries of the court, allowing him to connect with individuals from all walks of life and inspire positive change,” says Mayor Dawn Arnold. “Having been involved in previous international events hosted in Moncton, he possesses a thorough understanding of the necessary steps to inspire the community and ignite excitement surrounding the tournament."
“This first-ever NCAA Division 1 tournament promises to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience for basketball enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike. Under the exemplary leadership of Norval McConnell, community spirit will undoubtedly be felt throughout the city during the tournament. The Avenir Centre and the Downtown Place plaza will be activated for all to enjoy,” states Bill Whalen, Co-Chair of Events Moncton.
"I am ecstatic to be directly involved with other community members in enhancing the experience for all through the three days of Atlantic Slam pre-tournament events and the four days of the actual event in November. I want to ensure that participants enjoy the Moncton and the region's experience so that they leave and spread the word about what a great city and event this is!" says Norval McConnell, Chair of the Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee.
About Events Moncton:
The Events Moncton Advisory Committee was appointed by Moncton City Council at the August 16, 2022, regular public council meeting with the purpose of providing guidance and support on the attraction and development of sport, entertainment and cultural event opportunities for the city. The committee is co-chaired by Larry Nelson and Bill Whalen and supported by Ray Roberge, Natasha Ostaff and Councillor Marty Kingston.
About On Ice Entertainment:
As a Toronto-based marketing events company, On Ice Entertainment actively engages in various sports and special events/projects. Within the realm of sports, they have collaborated with NHL teams, NBA teams, LaLiga, and international soccer teams, organizing preseason and exhibition games, as well as training camp events. Recently, On Ice Entertainment successfully partnered with the Cities of Regina, Moncton, and Charlottetown to stage international soccer events.
Atlantic Slam– NCAA Division 1 College Basketball Tournament
Hosted by On Ice Entertainment, Events Moncton and the City of Moncton, Atlantic Slam will be held from November 16-19, 2023 at the Avenir Centre.
Moncton will witness exceptional matchups and fierce competition featuring renowned teams, including Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina), Weber State University (Utah), Yale University (Connecticut) and Colgate University (New York).
More information on the tournament: atlanticslam.com
Information
Communications, City of Moncton
communications@moncton.ca
Norval McConnell
Chairperson
Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee
506-384-4284 / norval.mcconnell@gmail.com
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