Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian born in Almonte, Ontario. While teaching in Massachusetts, he was asked to create a new indoor game for students during the winter months.

Naismith nailed two peach baskets to the gym wall, wrote 13 basic rules, and unknowingly launched one of the world’s most popular sports. His creation paved the way for the NBA, Olympic basketball, and millions of fans worldwide.

Today, Dr. Naismith is celebrated not only as a global sports pioneer - but as a proud symbol of Canadian innovation and legacy.