Toronto Love

I'll admit it, I've lived my entire life in Toronto but have openly expressed support for teams besides the Raptors. It's not that I didn't support the team at all, but I never supported them fully/truly. A few times I even rooted against them (like going to games wearing Heat jerseys (n) ). I showed support for players & teams besides the ones playing in the very city I love and live in, because I felt it was easier to support a team who was already winning championships. I've gone to games and worn the hats but the Raptors as a team (and community) had never gotten my full support. I wanted to write this because I felt compelled to show my love, respect and give congratulations to a city whose stood behind their team since their inception over 2 decades ago. Over the last few months the electricity of the fans, hype for the team, anticipation of games, murals of players on buildings and the unshakeable belief that this team can and WILL win a championship has done something very interesting to the culture of the city! I FEEL the shift in love and support for one another as Torontonians, a shift in mood, and just this SWAGGER that the people walk the streets of Toronto with. This message is for those Raptors fans who've stayed loyal to the team through good and bad: Reading posts about your first memories as a Raptor fan, seeing your old photos, classic jerseys & more...brought a huge smile to my face. At that moment I realized how much those fans have been through, how much this CITY has remained patient, loyal and supportive for 24 years. Your energy allowed me to fall back in love with our great city, made me find my pride for our great city once again. Dear Toronto Raptors Fans & Torontonians, this is for YOU. You deserve this. You’ve earned it. Congratulations to the team and its fan base, I applaud you.