Marciulionis developed a relationship with the Grateful Dead while playing for the Golden State Warriors in the Dead's San Francisco Bay area backyard. "Maybe we'll get some investor and tourists, and people who want to know about the history of Lithuania and the situation in Lithuania more," Marciulionis suggested. Hobbled Lithuanian star Sarunas Marciulionis, now of the NBA's Denver Nuggets, believes the shirts are like goodwill ambassadors. Sales of this tie-dyed garb not only help the team, but also children's charities in Lithuania. "It's a great pleasure to be hooked up with a group and traditions like the Grateful Dead," said Arturas Karnisovas, a member of the Lithuanian basketball team.
The tradition continues, even after the death of the Dead's Jerry Garcia. They do not wear the tie-dyed clothing during their games, but they did spring a surprise during the Barcelona medal ceremony, going up to the awards podium in head-to-toe tie-dyed clothes. Thanks in part to the band's help, the Lithuanians took home the bronze medal in 1992. They were not financed at all, and they were real underdogs, and what was happening in their country was just terrible," said former Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart. But because they were liberated, they were also flat broke. The Lithuanians were celebrating their new independence from the former Soviet Union. Lithuania started sporting the psychedelic garb back in 1992, when the Dead sponsored the team for the Barcelona Games. Their win in double overtime Saturday against Croatia didn't hurt sales, either. The Lithuanian team's tie-dyed shirts, caps and pins are among the most popular souvenirs in Atlanta, according to vendors, who say sales have been strong ever since the Opening Ceremonies. Grateful Lithuanian team remembers its sponsorsĪTLANTA (CNN) - Who would have guessed when the Lithuanian basketball team and the Grateful Dead joined forces that they'd be such a great match? Although the team and its supporters and the band and its legion of fans are a world apart, they are wearing the same colors again during the Centennial Olympic Games. CNN - Grateful Lithuanian team remembers its sponsors - July 26, 1996
0 kommentar(er)
