of two-time NBA MVP, Steve Nash, two-time WNBA All-Star Tammy
Sutton-Brown and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Chris Bosh with the Canada
Basketball Online Auction running until January 12, 2009 at
auctions.nba.com, keyword “Canada Basketball”. More than 20 unique
items are available online, such as official Team Canada apparel,
autographed memorabilia, and experiential packages, all starting as low
as $30. Proceeds from this inaugural event will benefit the Canadian
Basketball Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to assisting the
nation’s youth through sport.
“This auction is truly a win-win for the basketball community,” said Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO of Canada Basketball. “Sports fans have a chance to acquire some rare items that are a part of our rich basketball history, and pay it forward with proceeds going back into the community through the Canadian Basketball Foundation.”
Autographed items include official Team Canada jerseys and memorabilia signed by Nash, Sutton-Brown and 17-year national team veteran Rowan Barrett, all members of Canada’s 2000 Olympic basketball teams.
The Olympic theme continues with a basketball signed by LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant and the entire 2008 Olympic gold medal USA team, as well as official Team USA shoes created for and autographed by Toronto Raptors star forward, Chris Bosh.
For fans wishing to experience the thrill of a basketball game in true NBA style, the auction offers a Toronto getaway package to see the Raptors take on Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns on January 18, 2009. This item includes an overnight stay for two at the luxurious Park Hyatt Toronto in downtown Yorkville award winning cuisine, and two lower bowl seats to the game, starting at only $450.
“Whether you are a young player, community coach, avid fan or memorabilia collector, our auction offers something for everyone in basketball,” added Parrish. “Our sport has such a vast reach and our goal was to create a program that would appeal to all segments. If our diverse basketball community works together for the greater goal of growing our game, then we can do some fantastic things for youth and the future of the sport in Canada.”
For a complete listing of auction items and further details on packages, visit the official NBA auction site at auctions.nba.com, keyword “Canada Basketball” until January 12, 2009.
Canada Basketball (www.basketball.ca) is a private, not-for-profit corporation that is committed to the growth of the sport in Canada. Canada Basketball is focused on the development and preparation of Canada’s national teams for the Olympic, Pan American and FISU Games as well as the FIBA World Championships. The aspiration of Canada Basketball is to instill the pride, commitment, passion and respect that Canadians personify into the development of basketball across the country and internationally.
For more information please contact:
Tanya Phillipps
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Canada Basketball
Tel: 416.614.8037 x 219
e-mail: tphillipps@basketball.ca
Website: www.basketball.ca