Dr. James Naismith was born in Almonte, Ontario on the sixth of November, in 1861. James was the eldest son of Scottish immigrants John and Margaret Naismith. James attended a small, one room school just across the field from his house, but received poor grades and did not do well in school. However he was a leader amongst all his peers in physical activities and showed signs of becoming a fine athlete at an early age. Although burdened by many chores, James and his friends still had time to play games like “hide-n-seek” or tried their luck at a game called “duck on a rock,” a game that combined tag with trying to hit someone’s rock with a smaller rock. This game influenced Dr. Naismith’s creation of basketball greatly.
In 1883, Naismith started the completion of a four year bachelor’s degree program at McGill college. He began to study more than he ever had before. His friends told him he should join the athletics program at the school in order to stay healthy. He began participating in gymnastics and rugby, and received many awards while playing the sports. Eventually he graduated in the top ten of his class from the school. He then attended a Presbyterian college associated with his old college. In order to finance his studies, he agreed to become a physical education teacher. One day while coaching, he heard a member of his team use profane language, and then explain to Naismith that he didn’t know he was there (as if it is ok to use profane language away from him). Subsequently, Naismith sought a more religious and respectful place to work, and eventually went to the YMCA.
In 1883, Naismith started the completion of a four year bachelor’s degree program at McGill college. He began to study more than he ever had before. His friends told him he should join the athletics program at the school in order to stay healthy. He began participating in gymnastics and rugby, and received many awards while playing the sports. Eventually he graduated in the top ten of his class from the school. He then attended a Presbyterian college associated with his old college. In order to finance his studies, he agreed to become a physical education teacher. One day while coaching, he heard a member of his team use profane language, and then explain to Naismith that he didn’t know he was there (as if it is ok to use profane language away from him). Subsequently, Naismith sought a more religious and respectful place to work, and eventually went to the YMCA.