Port Moody hoop hero starring in commercial airing during March Madness

PORT MOODY (CityNews) – Two years ago, Reid Demelo hit a three-pointer that was heard around the Lower Mainland. He was a Grade 12 student in Port Moody when he sunk his shot right at the buzzer.

Demelo, who has Down syndrome, is now back in the game, the star of a commercial airing during the NCAA March Madness tournament.

CityNews caught up with Demelo to talk about the experience of shooting the commercial.

“It was good. They just asked me to walk in, and filmed me with crackers, and as soon as I walk in, I say, ‘Hey what’s up.’ And everyone comes at me, and we’re just very happy.”

Ritz Crackers is one of the sponsors of the tournament. Their commercial is called “The Manager,” and they’re celebrating all the amazing team managers who are working behind the scenes to make an impact on the game.

Related article: ‘We want Reid’: Port Moody student stuns after being called in to basketball tournament

Demelo used to manage the Heritage Woods’ senior boys basketball team back in December 2019.

“I give the team motivation. I give them experience, how to play well. I give them water. I tell them, ‘Hey guys, we should just dominate on the floor, and get our heads in the game.'”

During the Heritage Woods 2019 Kodiak Classic Tournament, Demelo was called in to play for a bit against the Kitsilano Blues. There were more than 1,000 students in the stands.

“Everyone was chanting my name to come in. From the stands, I saw my girlfriend, and she told me to hit that three, and I just hit it. As soon as I hit the basket, everyone was going nuts for me,” he recalled.

“I was crying tears after that.”

Demelo is also an Special Olympic speed skater, competitive swimmer, and softball player. He turns 20 this April, and says he’s thinking of trying out for college ball at UBC and UVIC.

-With files from Lisa Steacy and Renee Bernard