Whitehorse resident Ramesh Ferris hit the basketball court last week to share his message of ‘End Polio Now.’

The polio survivor and renowned activist attended the Utah Jazz’s final preseason game Oct. 24, a 105-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.

The game coincided with World Polio Day, and Ferris was afforded the opportunity to go courtside to promote the importance of working together to eradicate polio.

Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children.

Ferris presented his message to the 15,000 fans in attendance and was also able to talk to players and coaches one-on-one.

“I was able to encourage them to receive their polio vaccinations if they hadn’t done so already, and to encourage others in their community to get vaccinated,” Ferris told the Star.

“The Utah Jazz lost the game that night but all were very happy to meet up with me to hear my message.”

Ferris said the opportunity was the result of efforts by Salt Lake City’s Rotary Club.

His key message points included: “It doesn’t matter how tall and tough you are, you will be stronger by getting the polio vaccine.”

Another: “We all have a part to play to make the world polio free, no matter which team we’re on.”

The 34-year-old maintains his goal is a polio-free world.

“The experience with the NBA’s Utah Jazz is another reminder for me that it doesn’t matter where we live in our global community, we can be agents of change, work towards our dreams and make a significant global impact,” said Ferris.

“I told them that a case of polio anywhere in the world is a threat to children everywhere in the world; this is why we must all be protected against polio. My hope is that others in the Yukon and around the world will want to be part of the team and get vaccinated against polio.”