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Two of her famous signature programs i
TORONTO -- Amir Johnson has had his own float in Caribana and been to the citys annual all-night arts festival Nuit Blanche. Nike Shoes From China Outlet . Hes hired a professional makeup artist before lurching down Yonge Street among the undead as part of Zombie Walk. Last season, he shaved a huge red Raptors claw into his hair. And last week, he bought out two stores of Drakes new album "Nothing Was the Same," and then handed the CDs out free to fans. Next on his Toronto to-do list -- if his contract permits -- is the CN Tower EdgeWalk. Four years into his tenure in Toronto, the Raptors forward has embraced his adopted city perhaps unlike any other professional athlete. "Toronto is part of me," Johnson said at training camp Thursday at the Air Canada Centre. "Ive been around, the people are very kind, I love it here." Johnson, who arrived in a trade in the summer of 2009 after four seasons spent in Detroit, said he fell in love with Toronto virtually upon arrival. "I walked around downtown a little bit, and I got kind of a humble feeling, everybody was so polite and so cool. Thats when I first started loving Toronto," said the 26-year-old. Late last season he held his third annual "Roll with Amir" night out, hosting 100 fans at a Raptors game and then treating them to dinner. He posed for pictures with each and every fan, and posted the fan photos on his various social media channels. Whats impressive is that Johnsons random acts of kindness are exactly that -- umprompted by the team or his agent. "Everything I do is just off the top of the head, its just genuine pretty much," Johnson said. "I dont really plan anything or call anybody. I just wake up in the morning, and say, OK, Im going to do this. Thats how I do everything." Thats how the Drake album giveaway came about. "It was a pretty big crowd man, I didnt think it was going to be a lot of people but I tweeted it out as soon as I got (to the first store), and by the time I got done buying the CDs it was a whole crowd," said Johnson, who handed out the CDs at Torontos busy Yonge-Dundas Square. "Everybody was so cool, so I just told everybody to line up on the side, and they did. It could have got out of hand, but everybody was so cool about it. It was just fun." Drake, who is friends with Johnson, learned about the gesture after the fact, and told reporters earlier this week at a news conference to announce he was the Raptors new global ambassador that Johnson "is just a great guy." Johnson also threw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game, and has become a big hockey fan since he attended his first Maple Leafs game. There were more than a few raised eyebrows, however, when the Raptors signed Johnson to a five-year contract extension worth US$34 million in 2010. Critics called him overrated. They said he wasnt worth nearly that much. But in the couple of seasons since, the six-foot-nine forward, who will earn $6.5 million this season, has endeared himself to fans. His hustle and work ethic are enviable, his pain threshold is a thing of wonder. Johnson rolled his ankle numerous times last season -- one particular photo captured his ankle mid-roll, his foot jutting out to nearly a 90 degree ankle from his leg. But a quick retape from the trainers and hes usually right back on the court. He missed one game all season, and it wasnt for injury, but a one-game suspension. He finished the year with career highs in points, averaging 10 a night, rebounds (7.5), assists (1.5), steals (1.0), blocks (1.4) and minutes (28.7). The Raptors are returning to a defensive focus this season, after coach Dwane Casey said the pendulum swung too far in the offensive direction last season. "We know we have to pick it up, we know where we ranked last year," said Johnson, the Raptors defensive cornerstone. "The main thing is after a shot everybody has to run back on defence, and weve been doing that since Day 1 (of camp). Even if were not playing against each other, when we shoot a shot we have to run back and touch halfcourt, so theyve been stressing get back after the shot." Johnson arrived at camp after a summer that included a vacation in Thailand. He posed for pictures with a tiger and joined a group of other tourists in playing tug of war with an elephant (the elephant won). "Ive been a lot of places, I love to travel, I love to try stuff different," Johnson said. "I want to see the world, so Im going to keep on experiencing different stuff." But the Raptors big man, who keeps his Toronto condo through the off-season, said he could see himself settling down in the city once his career comes to an end. "Ill definitely consider living here," Johnson said. "I love it out here." Wholesale Nike Shoes From China . Last year, Matt Kuchar closed with a 4-under 68 to beat Kevin Chappell by two strokes for his second win of the 2013 season and sixth of his career. Discount Nike Shoes From China . The Tiger-Cats announced on Friday the linebacker has signed a new contract with the team through the 2016 season.Skate Canada is pleased to congratulate world-renowned choreographer Lori Nichol on her induction into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame for 2014. The announcement was made by the hall on Friday, March 14. She joins Switzerlands Denise Biellmann as this years inductees to the Hall, based in Colorado Springs, CO. In making the announcement, the WFSHF nominating chair, Lawrence Mondschein, said "I am thrilled to have two outstanding additions to the World Hall of Fame. Lori Nichol is a choreographic genius who for well over a decade has, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who have been touched by her work. Denise Biellmann, the first Swiss woman to be inducted into the hall, perfected one of the most admired spins in all of figure skating." Leanna Caron, President, Skate Canada, acknowledged Nichols far-reaching contribution to the sport of figure skating. Nike Shoes From China. "Loris skills as a choreographer have reached well beyond our national boundaries, and she has truly been revolutionary to the sport. Her approach to choreography is unique; creating technically difficult programs that seamlessly integrate with the musical nuances and yet reflect each individual skater or team is truly remarkable. We are proud that she is now not only a member of Skate Canadas Hall of Fame, but the World Hall of Fame as well." Nichol has choreographed programs for 10 Olympic medalists, including three gold, representing five nations. Two of her famous signature programs include Jamie Salé and David Pelletiers 2002 free program Love Story and Joannie Rochettes 2010 free program to Samson and Delilah. She was named to the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in November of 2012. ' ' '
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Activity: May 25 '20
