On October 28, 2004, The Canadian Half-Pints, the world's smallest and funniest basketball team visited Huntington Hills High School to play "mini-hoops" against the Red Deer County Volunteer Fire Department.

This was the second time that these two teams have met and the outcome was pretty much the same as last year. The Half-Pints convincingly won both of the games that were played that night.

But the real winners are the various charities that the Red Deer County Volunteer Fire Department supports throughout the year with the proceeds of this worthwhile event.

"Last year, because of this event, the Fire Department was able to adopt two families at Christmas time by buying presents for the whole family" said Fire Chief Cliff Fuller. "This event allows us to support charities such as the Muscular Dystrophy Society, the Cancer Society Cure For Kids, as well as visit the Pediatric unit at Red Deer Regional".

If all goes according to plan, this will be an annual event that the whole family can look forward to.

In addition to playing basketball games for charity, the Half-Pints are also the originators of the "Don't Tease Program". A compelling presentation for students of all ages, it focuses on how people judge others and on how to recognize and avoid teasing.

The Half-Pints are role models who emphasize the fact that we are all free to aspire to and accomplish our dreams and goals, regardless of our size, gender, religious persuasion, colour or disability.

These talented basketball players may be short (average height is 4'3"), but they can play! The Canadian Half-Pints have won over 6,300 games and have lost only 11. When they appear in school, kids quickly discover they are talented even though they are short. The message is that everyone has a talent to be discovered!

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