NBA basketball sensation Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to receive the key to his hometown of Hamilton, at a celebration honouring his achievements next month.
The much-anticipated event will take place at Hamilton Stadium — formally known as Tim Hortons Field — on Aug. 7, the City of Hamilton said in a news release Monday.
“[Hamilton] laid the foundation not only for who I am as a basketball player, but for the man I’ve become. I wouldn’t be who I am today without this city, and I’m deeply grateful for the continued love and support,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in the release.
He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA title this year and picked up the league’s most valuable player distinction. With that, Gilgeous-Alexander became the fourth player in league history to win the scoring title, league MVP, NBA championship and Finals MVP in the same season.
This will be the first time since 1998 that a Hamilton mayor has given someone the key to the city, which is “one of Hamilton’s highest honours,” the city news release said.
The last recipient was professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, who then-mayor Bob Morrow presented with a key in September 1998. Morrow also said he was renaming Main and Bay streets Stone Cold Way for the day, according to the Hamilton Spectator archives.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said bestowing the key is a “symbolic gesture of the deep pride and admiration Hamilton holds for one of its own.”
The free Shai Day rally is open to the public and scheduled for an hour starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. It will be followed by a separately ticketed football game at 7:30 p.m., in which the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will play the B.C. Lions. During the game, Gilgeous-Alexander will be honoured with a special tribute, the city said.
Attendees are asked to register for the free rally on the Ticats website in advance.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate Shai’s incredible achievements and Hamilton pride. The Shai Rally Day serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within our community, inspiring the next generation of athletes, dreamers and leaders,” the city said.
In May, Gilgeous-Alexander was honoured by Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School, which he attended for grades 10 and 11. The school installed a temporary mural on an outside wall, which has since deteriorated, according to school principal Renu Kohli.
