THE Cleveland Cavaliers will pay for an Australia Day party in Maryborough – giving Matthew Dellavedova’s local supporters the prospect of having their faces beamed into the NBA basketball team’s stadium mid-match.
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Central Goldfields Shire chief executive officer Mark Johnston said details were still being decided, but the event shaped as an“unprecedented” boon for the region.
“It’s fantastic publicity for Maryborough and the district – the sort of exposure you couldn’t pay for,” he said.
Merchandise will be given away and a big screen set up in Maryborough, allowing residents to watch hometown hero Dellavedova’s team clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 26.
The Cavaliers previously announced an Australian theme for the match in support of the point guard.
“They contacted us with the idea of having the game,” Mr Johnston said. “We then came up with some ideas and they’ve said ‘go ahead’.”
Mr Johnston hoped broadcasters would cross live to Maryborough residents showing their support for Dellavedova.
“We’re hoping the Cavs have a live feed from here into the stadium.”
The event would complement the usual Australia Day events in the town, Mr Johnston said.
Mayor Geoff Lovett welcomed the Cavaliers’ support for the shire.
“This will be a big deal,” he said. “They want us to have a street party.”
“Delly-mania” hit Maryborough last year after the talented point guard’s game-winning performances in the NBA Finals.