In the latest episode of Mc&T Sports Report on CHCO-TV, hosts Joe Ticotsky and Evan McFarlane sit down with Tom Liston from the World’s Oldest Basketball Court project in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and Denis LeBlanc, the Community Development Director for Dieppe, New Brunswick.

Spotlight on Tom Liston and the Basketball World Heritage Centre

The episode’s first guest was Tom Liston, a man with many roles, including his involvement in Canada’s Tech Investment Centre and the project to preserve and promote the World’s Oldest Basketball Court in St. Stephen. Liston’s passion for both the province and basketball history was evident as he shared the project’s journey and plans.

"We’ve raised $1.2 million to buy the property, complete the design work, and handle the necessary background tasks to get to this point," Liston explained. "Now, we’re launching an $18 million campaign." The goal of this ambitious effort is to transform the court into a significant cultural and historical landmark, with support from various sectors, from private donors to government bodies.

Ticotsky praised Liston’s work, highlighting upcoming events like the Archie Golf Tournament, which serves as a key fundraiser for the project.

Celebrating Acadian Day in Dieppe

The show then shifted its focus to the vibrant cultural celebrations in Dieppe, with Denis LeBlanc joining to discuss Acadian Day. As a predominantly francophone city, Dieppe celebrates Acadian heritage with immense pride. LeBlanc provided an overview of the festivities, explaining the importance of Acadian traditions in shaping the city's culture.

"Acadians are known for their food, music, and a strong sense of community," LeBlanc said. "We have our own style of music, often Cajun and folk, and there’s a distinct pride in our cuisine as well."

LeBlanc went on to describe the colourful and lively Acadian Day celebrations: "Our Acadian festivities are full of food, colours, music, and, of course, a lot of pride. The Tintamarre, where people march through the streets making noise with pots and pans, is one of the highlights—it’s all about coming together and making joyful noise to celebrate our identity."

With a blend of sports history and cultural heritage, this episode offered a unique look at two important initiatives happening in New Brunswick, showcasing the province’s diverse community spirit.