The Toronto Raptors have landed in Calgary.<\/p>\n
And while they plan to put in plenty of work to gear up for their NBA season, their \u2018to-do\u2019 list also includes playing the role of tourists, as this is the first time the organization has ever held training camp in Alberta.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many things about Calgary, how great a city it is, and how people over here are welcoming,\u201d head coach Darko Rajakovic shared after day one of practice. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to meeting local fans over here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know how much Canada is supporting the Toronto Raptors. That\u2019s not just a team of Toronto, but a whole country of Canada. We\u2019re really excited to be here, and every year we\u2019re always looking for opportunities to visit different places. Coming to Alberta now is very important for us, and I want guys to have the opportunity to meet locals and to get to know Calgary best.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the highlights of the jam-packed itinerary is a trip to Banff, which will be a first for Canadian star RJ Barrett.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s an experience, it\u2019s one of those ones, especially as a Canadian that I probably should have already had, but, you know, we\u2019ll see,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cThis is my first time in Calgary, so I\u2019m excited to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Rajakovic and Barrett emphasized the importance of connecting with the Raptors\u2019 fan base across the nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cForty million people are pulling for one team,\u201d the head coach acknowledged to the large throng of media, both national and local, that gathered on the hardwood at the University of Calgary\u2019s Jack Simpson Gymnasium.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great honour, it\u2019s a great responsibility. We feed off our fans, and we always look forward to interacting with our fans across the whole country.\u201d<\/p>\n