Ambassador Ricciardone at Fenerbahce Ulker-Boston Celtics Game

October 5, 2012

As a part of their NBA Europe Live 2012 tour, the Celtics faced one of the favorites the Turkish League as a preseason opener at the Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul on Friday, Oct 5, 2012. Turkish team defeated the Celtics with world-class players such as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, Rajon Rondo scoring 91-97.

The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone attended the game along with Consul General Scott F. Kilner, Deputy Chairman of Ülker Board of Directors Ali Ülker, and NBA Turkey representatives. Sporting a Pierce #34 jersey. Ricciardone was pleased with the international exposure Istanbul received from the Celtics’ visit, and said that Turkey and the Boston area have a bond because of the amount of Turkish students who attend Boston-area colleges. He also met with a small group of Turkish basketball children and their coach from Pertevniyal Sports Club Basketball School and enjoyed the game together.

Prior to their matchup with Fenerbahçe Ülker, the Celtics had worked out for three hours before Turkish media at the Darüşşafaka Ayhan Şahenk Arena on Thursday, October 4. Their workout was followed by the NBA Cares event, organized by the Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV). With the participation of the legendary Celtics players Robert Horry and Sam Perkins, they taught some dribbling, shooting, passing and defense techniques a group of Turkish students. Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Paul Pierce the famous player wearing No. 34 jersey for the Celtics said that they were all very happy to be in Istanbul. For more information on the Celtics: http://www.nba.com/celtics/

For Boston Globe article about Fenerbahçe Ülker vs Boston Celtics game: ‘White Shadow’ Led to Basketball Boon in Turkey - http://b.globe.com/R0FgEZ