Paul Butra

Hall of Fame

Making his mark for nearly forty years on the court, Paul Butra is an outstanding inductee in our Builder category. He’s played an integral role in growing the sport of basketball in the territory and joins more than 50 Yukoners who’ve made a significant contribution to the growth and development of amateur sport in the Yukon.

Paul stepped onto the court as an official for Basketball Yukon in 1983. A Level Three certified official, he was Head Official for the 2018 Arctic Winter Games in Fort Smith-Fort Liard. He’d already held that position at several Arctic Winter Games and also sat as Chair of Officials during the 2007 Canada Winter Games.

In his capacity as a head official, Paul organized officials from several jurisdictions, trained and worked with table staff, and ensured each venue had all required equipment and floor markings. A fixture in the gymnasium, Paul has spearheaded referee training sessions and officials. He is a true professional in amateur sport.

Paul enjoys coaching at every level — from grassroots to elite programs. He dabbles in high school coaching, Yukon U19 representative coaching, and he was the coordinator for the Steve Nash basketball program in 1999. Paul served as the President of Basketball Yukon from 1989 - 2003 and was a member of Basketball Canada’s President’s Council from 1995 - 2003. He remains a committed member of Sport Yukon’s Board of Directors.

Paul’s passion for sport in the territory, and in particular his dedication to the game of basketball and to officiating, will never go unnoticed.