Seattle Storm retire Sue Bird’s number 10
Sue Bird, the point guard for the Seattle Storm, had her jersey number 10 retired by the franchise on Sunday, in honor of her illustrious 21-year career. Although Bird was already honored last year when her retirement was announced, the recent event allowed for a full-circle closure for her, with her speech taking up over half the allotted time for the ceremony.
A weekend of celebration
The festivities began on Thursday with a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Bird’s number being held at the top of the Space Needle. The weekend celebration was split between Bird’s retirement ceremony on Sunday and a Washington Mystics versus Seattle Storm basketball match on Saturday. The event was an opportunity for Bird to thank all of the people who played an important role in her storied career.
The ceremony was designed to last approximately 45 minutes in length but ended up extending to nearly three hours. Despite the lengthy ceremony, the majority of visitors stayed until the end, highlighting the importance of the event.
Heartfelt speeches and moments of inspiration
The retirement event featured heartfelt speeches from Bird’s teammates, coaches, and family members, as well as a performance from Macklemore and an interlude led by Bird’s fiancee, Megan Rapinoe. The event was joyous and celebratory but also included moments of reflection and inspiration.
Bird’s retirement ceremony was a rare and special occasion for the WNBA, and the fact that it was an event that was allowed to go on and bring closure only adds to its importance.
Conclusion
Sue Bird’s retirement ceremony was a fitting tribute to one of the best point guards in WNBA history. The way that she commanded the floor for over two decades marked her as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Her passion, grace, and skill have inspired many young women to pursue their basketball dreams. Her career has been defined by a lasting impact on the game, and her number being retired is a testament to her greatness. Between the speeches, the performances, and the atmosphere of gratitude, this event was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for basketball fans and for Seattle’s community.
<< photo by Pixabay >>
