AusLeisure

The New Zealand Breakers are set to be feted by the people of Auckland, with planning underway for a victory parade through the city's centre this Friday afternoon to celebrate their historic maiden win in the iiNet National Basketball League (NBL) Championship.

On Friday the Breakers won their first NBL title before a sold-out crowd at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland by defeating the Cairns Taipans, 71-53, in the deciding Game Three of their iiNet NBL Grand Final Series.

In so doing, the Breakers became the first sporting team from New Zealand ever to win an Australian-based professional competition and the flow of congratulations from elated Kiwis hasn't stopped since.

The New Zealand Herald reported that "Auckland Council and Breakers management on Monday morning announced the parade, a celebration in Takapuna and an event for fans at Aotea Square to mark the team's achievement."

Among these, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key sent his congratulations from London where he was attending the Royal Wedding.

Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke said he and the team were thrilled to be able to continue the celebrations with the people of Auckland, stating "we're just humbled by the opportunity.

"It's a nice thing for the club, the players, Takapuna and the city. It's a unique opportunity to thank the fans. It's another opportunity for fans to support the players."

Auckland Mayor Len Brown encouraged all his city's residents to come out and celebrate with the Breakers, stating "I am absolutely stoked that the first New Zealand team to beat the very best Aussie team in an Australian professional sports league was an Auckland-based team.

"The people of the North Shore be should particularly proud of the team which has always called that part of Auckland home.

"I am hoping as many Aucklanders as possible will be able to make it to Queen Street for the parade and to help the Breakers celebrate making sporting history."

The Breakers will become the first New Zealand team to be so honoured since the All Whites soccer team returned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup with an undefeated record.

Prime Minister Key added "this is a huge accomplishment and the investment in the side over the past eight years is now reaping rewards. It's also great to see a team with so much Kiwi talent in the ranks take out this title.

"The players from overseas have also embraced playing in New Zealand and their loyalty to the club has helped pull together an excellent team.

"Coach Andrej Lemanis and the team thoroughly deserve their victory."

29th September 2009 - TIM HAMILTON TO HEAD BASKETBALL NEW ZEALAND

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