Just ahead of their matchup against Team USA at T-Mobile Arena, Team Canada’s Men’s Basketball Team took a break from the on-court intensity to connect with family and close friends over a private dinner hosted at Cathédrale Las Vegas. The event, organized by Smilez Agency in collaboration with Rémy Martin, offered a relaxed, personal moment during what’s shaping up to be one of the most important summers in Canadian basketball history.
The dinner took place during the team’s time in Vegas for training camp and the USA Basketball Showcase, part of the final tune-up before the 2024 Paris Olympics. For the first time in over two decades, Canada heads to the Olympics with a roster stacked with NBA talent. The group includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kelly Olynyk, among others. Expectations are high, but the mood at the dinner was grounded and appreciative.
Also at the table was Nav Bhatia, the iconic Toronto Raptors superfan, who’s long been a visible supporter of Canadian basketball. Known for his courtside presence and grassroots advocacy for the game, his involvement felt fitting and served as a reminder of how far Canadian hoops has come and who’s been riding since day one.
The team has been in grind mode with training sessions, press, and a full schedule leading up to Paris. This dinner served a different purpose. It was a chance to reset, check in with family, and share a moment before the team steps onto the world stage. No cameras, no media push. Just a low-key, high-quality night.
The partnership with Rémy Martin added a premium touch to the evening. A small menu of signature cocktails was created for the occasion, with names like “The Medal,” “The Paris,” and “Team Canada” that tied into the team’s journey. The drinks weren’t the centerpiece, but they helped set the tone. Everything was intentional, elevated, and focused on celebrating the moment.
The entire event was curated by Smilez Agency, a boutique event and lifestyle agency founded by Amer Jammal. Based in Toronto, Jammal has been behind the scenes of some of the most exclusive and culture-forward events across sports, music, and entertainment. His team has worked with global brands and talent, building a reputation for keeping things tight, curated, and free of unnecessary noise.
This wasn’t about big production or flashy moments. It was about real people coming together before a major milestone. From the venue choice to the pacing of the night, everything was designed to keep the focus on what mattered.
Amer Jammal continues to build a space in the industry for this kind of work. Premium doesn’t have to mean over-the-top, and exclusivity doesn’t have to mean inaccessible. With events ranging from All-Star Weekend activations to brand dinners like this one, Smilez Agency has found a lane that bridges sports, culture, and experience in a way that feels current and real.
For Team Canada, the journey to Paris is about more than wins. It’s about representing a country that’s waited a long time for this moment. And while the game is played on the court, it’s nights like this that show what’s behind the scenes: people, pride, and purpose.
