INTRODUCING THE
program mission
The Homecourt Heroes Award Presented by Rentals.ca is a national storytelling platform program built to empower and celebrate Canada Basketball athletes who continue to invest and prioritize inspiring the growth of the game of home soil. Each year, one athlete from the Senior Men's and Women’s Teams will be recognized, with their stories brought to life through original content and hometown giveback initiatives that connects Canadian fans to the places and people that shaped their favourite athletes.
featured Athletes
Kia Nurse
community impact and investment
From Hamilton, Ontario to the world stage, Kia Nurse has never lost sight of the community that helped shape her journey.
As one of Canada’s most recognizable basketball athletes and advocates for women in sport, Kia continues to invest in the next generation through mentorship, grassroots programming and youth development initiatives across the country. Through Kia Nurse Elite (KNE), she has helped create opportunities for young girls in basketball by providing access to elite training, mentorship and exposure opportunities designed to empower future leaders both on and off the court.
Whether through camps, speaking engagements or community events, Kia’s impact extends far beyond basketball. Her commitment to representation, access and empowerment continues to inspire young athletes across Canada to dream bigger and believe that they belong in the game.
For Kia, home court has always been about more than where you play — it’s about the people and community that continue to shape who you become.
"Hamilton is the city that shaped me – it taught me about hard work, resilience, and the power of a supportive community. Carrying that pride onto the world stage with Canada Basketball is absolute honour. My goal has always been to ensure the next generation has even more opportunities to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful to be one of the inaugural recipients of the Homecourt Heroes Award. This kind of support helps us shine a light on where we come from and continue lifting young athletes across the country. Home is where everything starts."
- Kia Nurse, Senior Women’s National Team Athlete and Olympian
Dillon Brooks
community impact and investment
For Dillon Brooks, representing Canada has always meant representing where he comes from.
Raised in Mississauga and shaped by Toronto’s basketball culture, Dillon has consistently invested back into the communities that helped build his journey. From supporting the basketball program at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School to launching the Dillon Brooks Cup tournament, his commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes continues to leave a lasting impact.
Beyond the game, Dillon has supported youth initiatives, charitable programs and community outreach efforts focused on access, mentorship and giving back to underserved families and communities.
Known for his competitiveness and pride on the court, Dillon brings that same passion to investing in the next generation off of it — ensuring young athletes have access to opportunities, resources and belief in what’s possible.
For Dillon, home court is about loyalty, identity and never forgetting the community that raised you.
“This is a great honour and I’m happy to be recognized. I’m proud to be from Mississauga and loved my upbringing in my hometown and the people I grew up with. I always look for opportunities to give back to my community and here thanks to this award, I will have that opportunity in front of me again.”
Dillon Brooks, Senior Men’s National Team Athlete and Olympian
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