to host the CANADA BASKETBALL ONLINE AUCTION starting Tuesday January 11 at 4:30 p.m.
(CST). Basketball aficionados around the world can
visit auctions.nba.com
, keyword “Canada
Basketball” to bid on collector items autographed by NBA stars such as Steve
Nash (2000 Olympic jersey), as well as experiential packages like a chance see
the Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) compete at the 2011 FIBA Olympic
Qualifier in Argentina.
“This
auction is truly a win-win for the basketball community,” said Wayne Parrish,
Executive Director and CEO of Canada Basketball. “Thanks to our generous partner,
NBA Canada, we can offer sports fans a chance to acquire some unique Canadian
basketball memorabilia and once-in-a lifetime experiences. Whether you are a young player, community
coach, avid fan or memorabilia collector, our auction offers something for
everyone in basketball.”
There are 12
packages available on the official NBA auction website (auctions.nba.com) from January 11-24, with proceeds
benefitting the Canadian Basketball Foundation, a registered charity dedicated
to assisting the nation’s youth through sport.
“We are
pleased to be
providing a creative avenue for
fundraising for Canada Basketball's athlete
development programs,” said Dan
Mackenzie, General Manager for NBA Canada. “Our auction showcases unique items that
celebrate our nation’s diverse history in basketball while raising funds that
in turn, grow the sport.”
Autographed items include basketballs signed by Canada’s 2010 FIBA World Championship Senior
Men’s National Team, as well as the 2010 National Team from France. Also available is a basketball signed by 2010
NBA All Star, Al Horford of the Atlanta
Hawks.
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 (February 25) at Air Canada
Centre. Starting at only $250, this item includes an overnight stay for two in
downtown Toronto at
the luxurious Westin
Harbour Castle,
dinner and a pair of lower bowl seats to the game.
Diehard fans can head south to follow the Raptors in Miami,
Fl. or New York City, N.Y. with a pair of game tickets to cheer on Canada’s NBA
team at American Airlines Arena (January 22) and Madison Square Garden (April 5). Post-game join SMNT head coach Leo Rautins
for a meet-and-greet with Team Canada/NBA athletes Joel Anthony (Miami Heat)
and Andy Rautins (New York Knicks).
Packages also include either an overnight hotel stay and/or dinner for
two.
For the youngsters, there is an exclusive ball kid experience package with
Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team that offers access to attend a private team
practice, and meet-and-greet with the team as the squad prepares for the
Olympic Qualifier this summer. Starting bid for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
is $150.
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 24.