1861Who is recognized as the "Father of Basketball"?
Dr. James Naismith, born just outside Almonte, Ontario, is recognized as the "Father of Basketball" for inventing the iconic sport in December 1891 while studying and working at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Driven by the need for an engaging indoor game during harsh winters, Naismith created basketball using peach baskets as goals, rapidly capturing the interest of students and fans alike. Remarkably, he developed the game's thirteen original rules in about an hour, with most remaining relevant today. In 2011, a bronze statue was unveiled in his hometown to honour his legacy, and in 2021, Google celebrated his invention with an animated Doodle, highlighting the enduring global impact of his creation.
