The welcoming occurred at a special courtside ceremony at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 23 October.

The presentation of a personalised number 1 singlet was made during the final training session before that evening’s 80-63 Blaze demolition of the Cairns Taipans.

“I played basketball as a teenager on the Coast with the Gold Coast Basketball Association and I have very fond memories of my time in the sport,” Ms Bligh told the entire team, directors and staff who had gathered for the ceremony.

“I’m very happy to be a part of the Blaze in their third National Basketball League season and I’m sure they’ll do all Gold Coasters proud.

“I also congratulate the Gold Coast Basketball Association on their 50 year milestone.

“Literally thousands of boys and girls in that time have shot hoops on the Coast and success in the NBL by the Blaze could only boost interest in what is already one of the country’s most popular participation sports,” she said.

Head coach Joey Wright welcomed Ms Bligh into the Blaze fold.

“The support we have from the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council is fantastic and I can assure the Premier, the Mayor and all Blaze fans that the team is really looking forward to continuing showing what we can do this season,” Wright said.

By Blaze Media

Image shows Blaze GM Dave Claxton, point guard Adam Gibson and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh MP with imports Erron Maxey and Ayinde Ubaka (rear)