The six-week “Up The Score” basketball and leadership certificate builds on 15 years of The Project's arts and sports programming
The Forgiveness Project, an innovative Toronto-based grassroots initiative providing arts and sports programming to individuals within Canadian federal prisons, today announced a landmark collaboration with the NBA Foundation. This collaboration, the first and only of its kind in Toronto and Canada, will significantly expand The Forgiveness Project's team and capacity to deliver critical programs, focusing on empowering young men in custody through the sport of basketball. This new certificate program integrates basketball with life skills development for young men aged 18-29 who are incarcerated in Greater Toronto Area prisons. The program's clear objective is to increase leadership skills, leading to entrepreneurial and employment success upon release.
This collaboration is built on the shared belief that structured athletic activities offer more than just physical exercise; they are powerful tools for essential life skills and building brighter futures for incarcerated individuals. “We are incredibly proud to partner with the NBA Foundation, a platform that deeply understands the relationship between community and the justice system,” said Tara Muldoon, Founder of The Forgiveness Project that is celebrating 15 years of impactful work. “For young men navigating the complexities of incarceration, sports provide a crucial outlet.”
“We are excited to support The Forgiveness Project as part of the NBA Foundation’s 15th grant round,” said NBA Foundation Executive Director Ruth Jurgensen. “Our collaboration will help expand programs that develop leadership and career readiness for young adults throughout Canada."
This collaboration underscores the vital role that community-led initiatives play in criminal justice reform and highlights the potential for sports like basketball to be a catalyst for meaningful personal transformation. The Forgiveness Project remains committed to advocating for holistic, human-centred approaches to rehabilitation, believing that every individual deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute positively to society.
