A memorial basketball tournament in honour of a teacher and coach who passed away last year is currently underway at Hugh Boyd secondary, organized by the school's students and sports department.
The first annual Sean Berda Memorial Tournament in memory of the former basketball coach.
Berda was described as a passionate basketball coach who also made an impact on the Youth Basketball League in Richmond.
The three-day basketball tournament, running until Saturday, features eight Richmond and Delta senior basketball teams with a special award to be handed out to the MVP players.
Hugh Boyd principal Jason Leslie said he knew Berda even before they worked together at the school.
Leslie called Berda a "pretty special guy" despite playing on opposing basketball teams when they were in high school.
"The impact he has had on this community was a big one," said Leslie.
"He (was) kind, hard-working, loved basketball, loved working with kids. We miss him."
When asked what Berda was like on the basketball court, Leslie said he was a well-rounded player.
"He believed in distributing the ball, but playing hard defence and (was) a good rebounder."
As a Hugh Boyd grad, Berda taught math and coached basketball at the school for more than 25 years.
Many of the students playing in the three-day tournament were Berda's students.
It has been an emotional week for students and staff and the tournament is a way to "remember and memorialize him," Leslie said.
"I think our kids are handling it well."
The tournament was organized by Hugh Boyd Athletic Director Rachel Maika and students who were taught by Berda.
Maika's daughter was one of the many students taught by Berda and among those impacted by his death.
"My daughter was quite upset about it and ... it became quite apparent there was a sort of legacy that (Berda) left and everything that he did for these students," said Maika.
The tournament reflects how all the students feel about basketball and what Berda meant to them, she added.
Awards will be handed out by Berda's wife and children on Saturday after the tournament.
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