Bandits, Pitt Meadows partner on Rick O’Brien basketball court

A new-look basketball court in Pitt Meadows will honour a Ridge Meadows RCMP officer who died in the line of duty last year.

The Langley-based Vancouver Bandits are partnering with the City of Pitt Meadows and sponsors in refurbishing the outdoor court at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre.

The renewed court will be unveiled and renamed as “Constable Rick O’Brien Court” in honour of the decorated Mountie.

O’Brien was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sept. 22, 2023.

The court will be revealed on July 25 at 2 p.m. as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony that will also feature the grand opening of the “Constable Rick O’Brien Youth Lounge” at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre. The late officer’s wife Nicole has been involved in these memorial projects.

“I am incredibly honoured to have this basketball court named after my husband, Cst. Rick O’Brien. Rick was passionate about connecting with youth and believed in the power of sports to bring communities together,” said Nicole. “The Cst. Rick O’Brien Basketball Court, in partnership with the Vancouver Bandits and the City of Pitt Meadows, is a wonderful tribute to his legacy. It will be a place where youth and law enforcement can come together, build friendships and create lasting memories. This court embodies Rick’s vision of unity and community and I am excited to see his dream come to life.”

Rick frequented the rec centre throughout his seven years of service. He would often be found visiting the youth lounge or shooting hoops with kids outdoors.

In addition to being a leader in the community, O’Brien was a husband and father to six children. Rick O’Brien often attended Bandits games at Langley Events Centre with his family.

“The Bandits are honoured to work in close contact with the City of Pitt Meadows, Nicole O’Brien and supporting partners to bring this edition of our Court Projects program to life,” said Bandits president Dylan Kular. “Rick was a hero that believed that sports can inspire youth and bring people together. This collaboration pays tribute to his focus on community engagement and creating positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.”