Chicago (United States), October 13 The NBA celebrated the legendary career of Argentine Manu Ginobili, four rings with the San Antonio Spurs and recently inducted into the championship Hall of Fame, by launching into the stratosphere a number 20 Spurs jersey, signed by the former shooting guard. a depressurized balloon.
The curious initiative was taken by the NBA in collaboration with the B2Space organization, which has offices in Spain, Wales and Japan and the launch was launched by the Spanish city of León, the league reported in a statement on Thursday.
The depressurized, biodegradable, helium-fueled balloon carried Ginóbili’s jersey more than 30 kilometers high, where it remained for about four hours before descending.
“We chose to wear the Manu Ginóbili jersey in space for all it means for basketball in Latin America and for sport in general. His legacy on and off the court makes Manu an exceptional person. An athlete he has always represented. the best virtues of sports and that has helped to exalt the values of the NBA around the world, “said NBA Latin America Marketing Director, Emilio García Duarte.
“With his entry into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, his legacy has reached incredible heights and we wanted to celebrate him in a unique way. Manu was a star on the pitch, so seeing his jersey in space near the stars is a must. height of his legacy, “he added.
Ginóbili, 45, said goodbye to the fields in 2018 after an impressive career that also saw him hang Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004.
The Argentine played in the NBA from 2002 to 2018, again with the San Antonio Spurs, and formed a historic trio with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
The shooting guard was also Euroleague champion with Virtus Bologna in 2001.
