CIVIC Square had a healthy crowd in this lunchtime to see local made good Patty Mills and the NBA trophy on display.
This is the first time the Larry O’Brien trophy has left the United States.
Acting Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Shane Rattenbury MLA, officially welcomed basketball star Patty Mills back to Canberra.
Patty was accompanied by San Antonio Spurs and Australian ‘Boomers’ team mate Aron Baynes. Both Mills and Baynes played vital roles in the Spurs victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals last month.
Celebrations featured live entertainment by local Indigenous musicians and dancers.
“On behalf of the people of Canberra, it’s my pleasure to officially welcome Patty Mills back to Canberra, and to present him with the ‘Keys to the City. He is an inspiring role model for any kid around the world who is prepared to work hard to be the best they can. We are delighted to welcome him back to the city he calls home,” Andrew said.
“Patty is the first Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA finals, one of the biggest stages in world sport, and the first to wear an NBA championship ring. Patty Mills is not only a gifted athlete. He also has a real sense of community. His work with a range of charities to help those less fortunate is truly commendable,” Shane said.
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