For nearly 60 years, the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT) has been a cornerstone of high school boys' basketball in Western Canada — and for the students who live it, it’s about much more than what happens on the court.

Held January 8-10, 2026 at Bedford Road Collegiate, BRIT once again brought together elite boys’ basketball teams from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The tournament is one of the longest-running and most prestigious of its kind in the country, drawing top programs, future collegiate athletes, and a gym full of spectators each year.

While the spotlight is on boys’ basketball, the tournament also proudly features a girls’ exhibition game, which officially opens the event and celebrates the depth of talent across the sport.

But ask the students what truly sets BRIT apart, and they point first to the people.

“The biggest thing that makes BRIT special is the support around it,” said one BRIT student organizer. “Everyone gets involved — students, staff, families, alumni. It's really a community effort.”

Volunteers help bring the tournament to life each year, assisting with everything from scorekeeping and broadcasting to hospitality and event setup. The atmosphere is unmistakable: packed stands, school spirit on full display, and a sense that all of Saskatoon is rallying behind the event.

One of BRIT’s most talked-about traditions is the gym murals — large, hand-painted artworks created for each participating team and displayed throughout the tournament. The murals transform the gym into a gallery of colour and creativity, and they have become a signature feature that teams and fans alike look forward to every year.

On the court, the experience is equally powerful.

“You’re playing against the best of the best,” a Grade 12 student athlete shared. “It pushes you to work harder and raise your game.”

Being selected to compete in BRIT is both an honour and a responsibility. Students say it’s about representing their school with pride and demonstrating leadership — not just through performance, but through sportsmanship, teamwork, and character.

“Being part of BRIT means being a leader on and off the court,” one student said. “You’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

From its elite competition and storied history to its volunteers, murals and unmatched school spirit, BRIT continues to be a defining experience for Bedford Road Collegiate — and a celebration of what happens when a community comes together around students, sport, and tradition.

To watch a short video of BRIT student organizers and athletes speaking about the event, click here.