By David McPherson

NBA Champion Patty Mills has been named the seventh Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Ambassador.

Mills will help the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) to promote the Games to the rest of the world.

The Canberra-born San Antonio Spur and Australian Boomer will tour Far North Queensland in August as a part of his duties.

Mills joins a star-studded list of current ambassadors, including Cathy Freeman OAM, Sally Pearson OAM, Cameron McEvoy, Anna Meares OAM, Laura Geitz and Kurt Fearnley OAM.

“It’s an honour to join an inspiring and talented group of Australian athletes as an official ambassador for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“I’m a proud Indigenous Australian and I’m excited to spread the word about the Commonwealth Games being in my home country and the return of basketball for the first time since Melbourne 2006.”

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips says Mills is the perfect fit for the role.

“Patty has been a leader in the Australian Boomers team over the past few years and will no doubt play a mentor role for the next generation of Australian basketball stars who will lead the charge for Australia at GC2018,” he said.

“It’s exciting to have a trailblazer like Patty as a GC2018 Ambassador. He has provided a pathway for not only Indigenous athletes, but all young inspiring sports prospects looking to crack the big time.”