TORONTO, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) — In the Toronto Raptors 83-93 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, the team sported their alternate green-camouflage jersey for the first time this NBA season.
This occurrence coincides with the date of November 11, a national Holiday in Canada known as Remembrance Day. This holiday is Canada’s equivalent of America’ s Veteran’ s Day.
Due to labor negotiations that occurred last season, the 2011-12 season was shortened and did not get underway until late December. As a result, the team was unable to celebrate Remembrance Day last season.
The jersey finally made their debut on March 21, 2012 when the Raptors hosted the Chicago Bulls. This date was also a first for the NBA, as the Raptors became the first team to ever dawn a camouflage jersey. To date, No other NBA team has worn a camouflage-designed jersey.
According to Jim LaBumbard, Toronto Raptors Director of Media Relations, this jersey was designed to replicate a similar outfit to what the member of the military would wear. It uses a “four-color camouflage pattern” and features a maple leaf on the back neck of the jersey, emphasizing that the Raptors are Canada’ s team.
Along with the players, the Raptors mascot and cheerleaders also wore the special jerseys to commemorate the holiday.
Fans also have the opportunity to purchase their “camo” jersey, as they are available for sale to the public. To further incentivize fans, 20% of gross sales from the jerseys will be donated to the Raptors charity, MLSE Team Up Foundation who will direct the proceeds to the Military Families Fund.
The team will wear the jersey one other time this season when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2013 on “Military Night” . To date, the Raptors have worn the jersey a total of five times and hold a record of 1-4.
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