Olympic hopeful to become new Australian citizen
Friday, 11 January 2008
Perth Wildcats basketballer Shawn Redhage will be able to pursue his dream of playing for Australia at the next Olympic Games when he officially becomes an Australian citizen tomorrow (subs: Saturday January 12).
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, will confer Australian citizenship on the 26-year-old American-born forward at a special courtside citizenship ceremony immediately before Saturday night's game at Perth's Challenge Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd of 4200 people.
'It is a fantastic coup for Australian basketball that an elite sportsman like Shawn Redhage is keen to become a citizen in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics,' Senator Evans said.
'Mr Redhage is the latest in a long line of elite athletes who have come here from other countries, become citizens and gone on to represent Australia with distinction, internationally.
'I'd like to encourage everyone who chooses to call Australia home to take this step and become a citizen.'
Mr Redhage is excited about his chance to pursue a place in the Australian Olympic basketball team.
'Representing Australia in Beijing this August would be a dream come true,' Mr Redhage said.
For more information about Australian citizenship, phone 131 880 or visit www.citizenship.gov.au.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08004.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST