Thirty Toronto students expected to learn some basketball skills and meet the Raptors mascot when they showed up to a clinic today at a downtown community centre. They didn’t expect it to turn into a star-studded affair.

Not only did three Toronto Raptor players make a surprise visit to play basketball with the eighth-grade students, but music heartthrob Justin Timberlake flew in to Toronto just to shoot some hoops at the event.

“It seems a bit unfair it’s four of you guys and only three of us,” said Rafer Alston, who was joined by teammates Donyell Marshall and Chris Bosh. Alston then announced that Timberlake would be joining their team. Dressed in a white long-sleeve Raptors shirt and black NBA shorts, Timberlake walked to the court as the students’ jaws dropped in awe.

Timberlake spent about 15 minutes playing 4 on 4 basketball with the Raptors players and some students before exiting. This was Timberlake’s last promotional appearance on behalf of McDonald’s, which organized the event to promote their new active lifestyle campaign, Go Active.

“[Timberlake] loved the idea of working with some kids and getting some Raptors out there, being a big basketball fan himself, so it was a perfect fit,” said Ron Christianson, corporate communications manager of McDonald’s Canada, adding that his favourite Timberlake song is Rock Your Body.

Destiny’s Child are the new McDonald’s spokespeople, the company revealed earlier this week. They will be showing up in promotional campaigns, and the fast food chain will sponsor their world tour next year.

andPOP was on hand at the event. Check back soon for exclusive photos.






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