May 23, 2006, 14:26 GMT
Los Angeles - Nine months after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the rebuilding city was selected Monday as the site of the 2008 NBA All-Star Game.
The 57th All-Star Game will be played on February 17, 2008 at New Orleans Arena, home of the NBA's Hornets. It marks the first time the city will host the league's mid-season classic.
'The award of NBA All-Star 2008 is our vote of confidence in the progress that is being made in the reopening and rebuilding of New Orleans' tourism infrastructure,' NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. 'New Orleans will become the basketball capital of the world in February 2008 and demonstrate to a global audience that New Orleans is very much open for business.'
New Orleans Hornets' owner George Shinn said it was a tremendous gesture on the part of the NBA to show how far the city has come after enduring perhaps the worst urban natural disaster in US history.
'NBA All-Star 2008 will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only the greatest athletes in the world but one of the greatest cities in the world in New Orleans,' Shinn said. 'I can't think of a better way to show people that our city is back and revitalized than by hosting the NBA's signature event.'
A week-long celebration is planned, with the league showing its commitment to the community in assorted off-court activities, in addition to the game and other on-court events. The three-day weekend tips off on February 15 and ends two days later with the All-Star Game, featuring a battle between the best players from the Eastern and Western conferences.
'The timing of this announcement is perfect,' Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco said.
'What better way to say we're coming back? New Orleans has historically been one of the favourite sites for the biggest sports events. Now the tradition continues with the NBA's biggest weekend.'
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