Writing this blog is Spurs basketball communications coordinator, Mitch Heckart. Mitch began with the Spurs in the PR department in April of 2012. A native Oklahoman, the 28-year-old had never been out of the continental United States prior to the #SpursTrophyTour. Follow his journey this summer with the Larry O’Brien Trophy as it visits 2014 NBA championship teammates around the world in their hometowns.
FRANCE | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
In its final public appearance of the 2014 #SpursTrophyTour, Larry joined Tony Parker in Lyon, France, for his annual gala. Set in a beautiful scene along the water, Tony hosted his event for the ninth straight year, which raises thousands of dollars for numerous charities.<Special guests at TP’s event included Spurs own Boris Diaw and NBA veteran Corey Maggette. The night began with all guests entering the five-star restaurant on a red carpet, and taking photos (much like you would see happen at an awards show in the US) in front of the benefit’s backdrop. Champagne, wine and h’ordeurves were served to all those in attendance. The crowd was also able to take photos (and selfies) with Larry to begin the night.The large group then entered the restaurant for what proved to be a very special evening of singing, dancing and celebrating (and a nice five course meal, of course). One very special moment was when a group of kids affected by cancer performed a lyrical dance in front of a misty-eyed audience.An auction then proceeded the performances, with all money raised going towards the various charities. Among the items auctioned off was a motorcycle signed by TP himself (check out the photo from that hot rod). Around 1 a.m. local time, the crowd began filing out of the restaurant.What a great evening for TP’s foundation, and what a great way to end the Spurs Trophy Tour. A wild ride that took me to Argentina, New Hampshire, Australia, Brazil, California, Canada, Italy, Arizona and finally France. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that I know I will only be able to appreciate in the coming months (for now, I’m pretty exhausted). A priceless experience for me, both professionally and personally. Sights I thought I would never see in a million years, I now have photos of. A big thanks to the players for allowing me to invade their personal lives with Larry, and be so welcoming (and thanks to all the families and staffs, too). Also, a personal shout-out to all those people who acted as translators for me (this Oklahoma boy needs to work on his foreign languages). And lastly, a big thanks for the ‘green light’ from everyone in the Spurs organization who made this trip possible, and allowing me to go along for the ride.It was an absolute pleasure bringing Larry to the people and places that meant the most to our players. Definitely looking forward to sharing another season with the defending NBA champions, who are as special off the court as they are on.Signing off for the final time on the #SpursTrophyTour, Adios, Tchau, Au Revoir, Ciao and Goodbye - Mitch
FRANCE | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Wednesday evening, Tony asked for the trophy to be presented to season ticket holders at a meeting at Astoballe Arena, where his team ASVEL plays their home games in Lyon, France. The event began with Tony, his brother and former NBA star Corey Maggette (who are now all part owners of the team) talking to the crowd about the vision of the organization and the new arena that will be constructed in a few years (Tony purchased the team four months ago). Many questions were fielded from the trio, including a young fan asking Tony about repeating as NBA champions.Last on the agenda was Tony announcing to the crowd that he had a surprise for them brought over from the United States, in which he queued me to uncover the Larry O’Brien Trophy from the bag (promoting a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’). To end the meeting, the people of Lyon were allowed to come down to the court to take photos alongside Larry.
BELGIUM | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
It was a short day for Larry in Europe on Monday, as Tony introduced the trophy to his ASVEL team at the location of its tournament in Belgium. Prior to its first game in the Euroleague on Tuesday, Tony wanted Larry at the team dinner — instructing it to be placed at the center of the players’ table during their meal. Immediately upon setting the trophy down, one of the players quickly picked it up and began passing it around for all to touch and take photos with. One of Tony’s main reasons for having it at the dinner with the players was to provide motivation for the team entering its big week in Belgium. After all players had a turn taking individual photos, the whole team and staff took a shot with Larry.The motivation must have helped, as team ASVEL won its opening game the following night against the home team, advancing to play again on Thursday. Way to go Larry!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
France marks the final destination for Larry on the 2014 SpursTrophyTour, as Tony Parker gets his turn with the shiny guy.
Larry's first appearance in France came in Montpellier, where Tony's team, Asvel, was playing in a tournament (Tony has owned the team for about four months now). Tony mentioned buying the team was a way to give back to basketball in his home country. Following his team's contest against Belgrade, Tony and fellow NBA stars, past and present, including Michael Finley, Nicolas Batum, Thabo Sefolosha, Corey Maggette and certainly not least -- Spurs own Boris Diaw, played in a celebrity charity game vs. Team Paris. The two teams put on quite a show for the crowd of more than 7,000. At halftime, the Spurs Coyote (who also made the trip) presented the trophy to the crowd, then proceeded to hand off Larry to Tony and Boris to share with their home country.
Following the game, Tony and Boris both spoke with media with Larry at their sides. Tony then shared Larry with a VIP crowd, who stood in line to catch a glimpse of the two.
Last on the evening's agenda was dinner with Tony's family, where Larry served at the centerpiece for the remainder of the evening.