The family of Olivia Rourke is proud to announce that the “Hoops for Hope” 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament proceeded as planned on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Walkerton District Community School. The event, passionately organized by Olivia before her untimely passing, aimed to raise funds for Breast Cancer Canada—a cause deeply personal to her, as her mother was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer last year.
Olivia’s vision was to blend her love for basketball with her commitment to supporting breast cancer research. The tournament featured youth teams from the community who competed in a spirited and friendly environment.
In addition to the basketball games, supporters were able o participate in an onsite silent auction and raffle, both in support Breast Cancer Canada.
“Olivia poured her heart into organizing this event,” said Vince Yenssen, a teacher and coach at Walkerton District Community School. “The school community was dedicated to bringing her vision to life and honouring her legacy.”
The organizers are grateful to Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H) as well as all of the other sponsors who contributed.
“P&H is honoured to support this remarkable event and the launch of the Olivia Rourke Foundation,” said Lloyd Heimbecker, V-P at P&H. “Olivia’s story is a powerful reminder of how one young person can move an entire community to action. We are proud to stand with the Rourke family in ensuring her legacy continues.”
Announcing the Olivia Rourke Foundation
The Rourke family is honoured to announce the official launch of the Olivia Rourke Foundation—a charitable initiative dedicated to continuing Olivia’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. The foundation will focus on supporting youth-led community initiatives, advancing women in sport, and funding cancer-related charities and research.
“Through the Foundation, Olivia’s spirit will live on through every young leader who steps up, and every life that is touched by kindness,” said the Rourke family.
The Foundation has launched a silent auction to reflect and respond to the overwhelming outpouring of support they’ve received from the community since Olivia’s passing. Friends, neighbours, businesses and people from all over the world have reached out in incredible ways, offering their time, donations, condolences and encouragement. The auction is a way to honour that kindness and turn it into meaningful impact—raising funds for causes Olivia believed in while giving everyone a chance to participate and celebrate her memory in a heartfelt and lasting way. The auction will be open until June 14, the auction features exciting items such as tickets to the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays as well as a VIP trip to see Chelsea FC in London, England.
For more information on the tournament, silent auction, or raffle, please visit: Tournament Website: www.hopehoops.net
