What to know
- Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed July 7 as Kyle Lowry Day in Toronto.
- The announcement follows Lowry’s decision to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Toronto Raptor.
- In her proclamation, Chow praised Lowry’s impact on the Raptors, Toronto and the growth of basketball across Canada.
- Lowry helped lead the Raptors to their first and only NBA championship in 2019 and is widely regarded as the franchise’s greatest player.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed July 7 as Kyle Lowry Day following the NBA champion’s announcement that he will retire as a Toronto Raptor.
As fans celebrate the return of one of the greatest players in franchise history, Chow marked the occasion by dedicating the day to Lowry and his legacy in Toronto.
“Known to many fans as the GROAT, Greatest Raptor of All Time, Kyle Lowry holds a special place in Toronto’s history. On Lowry Day, we thank him for the years he gave to the Raptors, the memories he created for the fans and the role he played in the growth of basketball in Toronto and across Canada,” Chow said in her proclamation.
The mayor also reflected on Lowry’s role in leading the Raptors to their historic 2019 NBA championship, the first and only title in franchise history.
“That victory was felt between homes, public squares and communities across Canada. It was a moment when Toronto stood on basketball’s biggest stage, and fans across the country stood with the Raptors,” she said.
Chow’s proclamation comes shortly after Lowry announced he will sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a Toronto Raptor, fulfilling a promise he has made for years.
The six-time NBA All-Star spent nine seasons with the Raptors, helping transform the franchise into a championship contender and cementing his place as one of the most beloved athletes in Toronto sports history.
Lowry’s retirement announcement sparked an emotional response across social media, with many fans calling Lowry the Greatest Raptor of All Time (GROAT), saying they were brought to tears and thanking him for helping deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship.
The Raptors also announced Tuesday that Lowry’s No. 7 jersey will be retired during the 2026-27 NBA season, making him just the second player in franchise history to receive the honour after Vince Carter.
The team also unveiled a September celebration weekend featuring a charity golf tournament, a free fan block party and a gala fundraiser to honour Lowry’s legacy on and off the court.
Now, as Lowry prepares to close the final chapter of his NBA career, Toronto fans will have an annual opportunity to celebrate his legacy every July 7.
