Supporting Coach Alex Barra: A Call to Rally Around a Beloved Winnipeg Basketball Mentor

In the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, a beloved basketball coach named Alex Barra has dedicated over 35 years of his life to shaping the values and character of young adults through the game he loves. As a mentor, colleague, and life-impacting figure, Coach Barra has touched the lives of thousands of basketball student-athletes through his grassroots youth development with the Winnipeg Mayhem basketball program. Let’s unite and support him now.

Coach Alex Barra’s impact goes far beyond the basketball court. Over the past two decades, he has nurtured countless players, guiding them to be in a position to succeed on school, provincial, collegiate, international, and professional teams. His love, compassion, and mentorship have provided opportunities for kids from all walks of life, regardless of socio-economic status.

Coach Barra is currently facing a series of tough battles requiring our support. He is recovering from hernia surgery and bowel realignment while also dealing with mobility issues related to the surgery and knee problems. Additionally, he is working on addressing obesity, which contributed to his hernia. Amidst these physical challenges, Coach Barra is also battling mental health issues, struggling to see himself in a positive light.

To allow Coach Barra to focus on his physical and mental recovery, a GoFundMe campaign has been started to aid his recovery journey. The funds raised will help ensure that his Winnipeg Team Mayhem summer camps can still occur, benefiting hundreds of young players annually.

Funds raised will cover costs associated with his treatment, medications, and mobility aids to help reduce the economic impact on his family during this challenging time. This includes any necessary expenses required to ensure the continuity of Mayhem programming will be covered, guaranteeing that the positive impact on youth basketball continues while Coach Barra recovers.

Any additionally raised funds beyond the campaign’s stated goal will go towards youth basketball programming, community outreach and KidSport Manitoba, ensuring that even more young athletes can benefit from sports opportunities.

Coach Barra has dedicated his life to providing opportunities for young players, often at his own expense. Now, it is our turn to support him in his time of need. Let us come together as a community, showing our gratitude for the countless lives he has touched and the positive impact he has made.

Adam Wedlake, Executive Director of Basketball Manitoba, aptly described Coach Barra’s significance: “Coach Alex Barra is a staple of the Manitoba basketball community, having made an impact on the game for over 25 years. His unwavering passion, coaching style, and dedication to developing young athletes have shaped countless lives on and off the court.”

Whether through this GoFundMe campaign or any other means, let us send our positive thoughts and support to Coach Alex Barra and his Mayhem family. Together, we can ensure his recovery and provide the assistance he needs to continue making a meaningful impact in the basketball community.

To support Coach Barra’s Go Fund Me Campaign, click here