The towering centre, who has played for teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and currently the Memphis Grizzlies, took time out to meet with members of the Deni Junior Giants, signing autographs and chatting with the kids.
His presence brought excitement and encouragement, reminding local players that big dreams can start in small towns.
Brenda goes global
It’s not just us at the Deniliquin Pastoral Times covering Brenda’s swim and success.
News agencies from across Australia - and even some overseas - have taken an interest in her huge achievement of finally completing the North Channel swim.
Lourene Liebenberg from Deni Mental Health Awareness Group said her phone was ringing constantly with journos wanting to score an interview with our super swimmer on Friday morning.
Unfortunately, she will still sleep off her marathon swim at the time they were trying to get their news pieces done.
Read more from Brenda Norman’s success on page three of today’s edition.
Hay fever, asthma tips
Last week was Asthma Awareness Week, and a fitting reminder now that spring is with us of the potential hazards this can cause some in our community.
Springtime may bring blooming gardens and warmer days, but the combination of high pollen counts and sudden thunderstorms and weather changes can trigger severe asthma attacks, a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma.
People with hay fever are especially vulnerable, as pollen exposure can inflame airways and worsen asthma symptoms.
Local health experts urge residents to stay indoors during stormy weather, keep medications up to date, and review their Asthma Action Plans with a GP.
Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference.
Wild weather
The weather gods were playing with us at the weekend,
Saturday was a delightful day, with the sun shining and just a slight breeze.
Families flocked to Deniliquin’s gardens for picnics and to take advantage of the play equipment.
The Waring Gardens was a particular hotspot on Saturday. It was the kind of spring day you’d pray for - although the bats could have kept the noise down a bit.
If you looked out the window early enough on Sunday, it appeared as if we were going to get more of the same.
But then the wind picked up and clouds filled the sky - and then opened up.
Total rainfall of 6.2mm was collected at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Deniliquin Airport weather station over 24 hours, to 9am yesterday.
More rain is predicted this week, particularly today and tomorrow.
So far, the long-range forecast for Picola League grand final day in Deniliquin on Saturday is a mostly sunny 21℃.
15°C