Port Colborne Youth Basketball (PCYB) recognizes Lou Nieuwland as the organization’s “founding father” as he was key to the development of thousands of kids who participated in our organization. Kids who have come back and are now coaching or watching their kids play basketball. Port Colborne High School and Lakeshore Catholic High School have both enjoyed the benefits that our organization brought to their basketball teams over the years. All because of what Lou started years ago.
Lou Nieuwland was the Inaugural President of the PC Optimist Club Minor Basketball League (now known as PCYB) in 1986. Together with a wonderful group of parents and volunteers, he helped start a house league for minor players in the city and was integral in building the league from 100 to 300 players within the first few years. Soon after its inception, he helped create a travel component that saw Port Colborne players successfully competing at a regional, provincial, and national level.
Lou remained involved with the league for 16 years, coaching, refereeing, and volunteering throughout all four of his children’s participating years and beyond.
In 2014 he was awarded the Jimmy Rose Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution for helping grow the game of basketball in Port Colborne and within the Niagara Region. Lou and his wife Maribeth still reside in Port Colborne, operating their family business Whisky Run Golf Club.
