The echoing squeak of sneakers on a gym floor and the rhythmic bounce of basketballs now define the post-professional career of Emerson Murray. The former Team Canada player has traded international courts for a bustling gymnasium in Surrey, British Columbia, where he finds profound purpose. Through his organization, Jumpshot Generosity, Murray is impacting hundreds of local teenagers by providing free, high-quality basketball camps aimed squarely at those who need opportunity the most.
More Than Just a Game: Building Opportunity in Surrey
On a recent weekday morning at K.B. Woodward Elementary, the energy was palpable. Music pumped through the space as groups of teens focused on drills and scrimmages. For Murray, 33, this vibrant scene is the realization of a dream born from his own upbringing in Surrey's Fleetwood neighborhood. "We try to target those kids that are deserving, that are just great kids, but they lack opportunity," Murray explains. His initiative goes beyond teaching dribbling and shooting; it's about mentorship and providing essential support for at-risk or underserved youth.
With crucial funding from the Singh Foundation, which champions equal access to sports, Jumpshot Generosity operates during school breaks. The Surrey school district helps identify students who would benefit most from the program. Participants receive professional coaching, a nutritious meal, and a pivotal gift: a brand-new pair of basketball shoes.
Addressing a Basic Need: The Gift of Proper Footwear
A simple yet powerful aspect of the camp highlights the economic challenges some families face. "A lot of them who show up don’t have proper footwear," Murray observes. He has seen attendees arrive in sandals, Crocs, or shoes that are painfully too small. "We’ll see kids show up in sandals or Crocs, they just don’t have anything else... A lot of the kids show up and they’re in, like, a size 6, but they’re actually a size 8, just busting out of their shoes."
For many, the revelation that they get to keep the shoes—which can be provided for camps lasting from a single day to several weeks—is a moment of disbelief and joy. This tangible support removes a significant barrier to participation and safety in the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation: A Player's Perspective
The camps attract youth from diverse backgrounds, all united by a love for the game. One such participant is 13-year-old Ademurewa Adekunjo, a Grade 8 student who attended a November camp at Panorama Ridge Secondary. Having moved from Nigeria, Adekunjo discovered basketball in Canada and was instantly captivated. "I came to Canada and people don’t play basketball much there, in Nigeria. I started watching basketball and I asked my dad to buy me a basketball. After that, I just fell in love with it," he shared.
While thrilled with his new shoes, Adekunjo's focus remains on improvement. "I’m playing hard and whenever I get the opportunity to play basketball, I never want to miss it," he stated, embodying the drive and gratitude Murray hopes to foster.
For Emerson Murray, the path from a global professional career to a Surrey gym has been deeply rewarding. The camps, supported by community partnerships, are creating a space where talent is nurtured, basic needs are met, and hundreds of Surrey teens are given a fair shot to succeed, both on and off the court. The sound of bouncing balls in these gyms now represents hope, community, and a powerful legacy in the making.
