The M&R League; basketball for the community by the community

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

A business graduate, first-generation Canadian, proud Guyanese, and civil servant, Roy Singh is living his best life, and in doing so has found a way to give back to the community.

Roy told the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “In high school if you were smart you were a nerd. If you were involved in charities that was your whole life.” Roy felt like he was a mixture of all.  He viewed himself as the cool guy who was compassionate, wanted to give back and took school seriously.

It all started for Roy in 2011, when he and his older brother were seeking to join a men’s basketball league, with hopes of playing together. Sadly, they were unable to due to age, background and skill level. But that didn’t stop either of them. After looking further into other leagues they took the issue onto themselves. They rented community centres and schools once a month throughout the city. With a small group of eight, and players constantly referring friends and relatives, M&R Basketball catapulted into an inclusive basketball league with over seven years operating.

Today, M&R Basketball is a non-profit men’s basketball organization for players from all walks of life, specializing in: officiated games with licensed referees, player uniforms, multiple photographers, stats, and highlights. Unlike most leagues, they were built for the community by the community. Their first two seasons consisted of over 85% local talent involving groups of long-time friends growing up together.

When asked what this basketball league symbolizes, the founder of M&R Basketball, Roy Singh said, “This basketball league symbolizes a brotherhood more than anything else and it also symbolizes community involvement.” Roy told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that his league has nothing to necessarily do with talent, but it has to do with who the players are on and off the court and if they’re a good representation to the community.

M&R Basketball is providing a competitive, safe environment where brotherhoods are built. They have a zero-tolerance attitude regarding disputes, prejudices and substance abuse, and the safety of their players and supporters is their number one priority.

Roy told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “I am trying my best to push not only the West Indies community forward, but to make a safe environment for everyone that is more than just music.” he explained, “I feel a lot of the things that I see out there are great, but it’s mostly in a negative light on what really the Caribbean culture is about. I feel as if a lot of people promoting the music and comedies are setting us back, to be honest. What I do is very different.” 

 It comes as no surprise that Roy Singh is very involved within charities. He works with small and large charities such as: Hydrocephalus Canada (brain diseases in adolescences), Yellow Brick House, and Markham Food Bank etc. “Basketball is just a small fraction of what we do. Our involvement with the community, employment and global awareness is what sets us apart from anyone else,” Roy noted.

Roy Singh solely funds M&R Basketball. Roy recalls only accepting a sponsorship once. “I did reach out to the West Indies community before and only one responded. It was kind of a shocker especially because we are doing things with a West Indian audience, and over 80% of our players are West Indian.”

Since inception M&R Basketball’s saying has always been “The League Powered by the Players” and they stay committed to ensuring their players are always appreciated and heard. They stay involved with the community and they continue to draw awareness to those in need. That is what creates what is the M&R Basketball culture.