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TORONTO -- Ontarios Liberal government came under fire Thursday for quietly giving $500,000 to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to help secure the 2016 NBA all-star game for Toronto. "Its amazing that theyd find $500,000 to give to the second wealthiest sports organization in the world," said Progressive Conservative Doug Holyday. "I dont think NBA basketball needs that help, and Im certain if the Liberals were proud of doing it they would have made an announcement about it, and they havent." Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Chan never mentioned the half-million-dollar grant Monday, even though he was on hand when MLSE, which owns the Toronto Raptors, announced the city would host the NBA all-star celebrations in 2016. The provincial government also failed to issue a news release to announce the $500,000 grant to MLSE from its "Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster" program. "Im as excited as anybody else to have the NBA all-star game coming to Toronto," said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. "But Ontario is in some really tough times, and do we really need to be giving $500,000 to a multi-billion-dollar entertainment company that really doesnt need that kind of help?" Premier Kathleen Wynne defended the grant to MLSE, which also owns the NHLs Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto FC soccer team, the Air Canada Centre, as well as Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and GolTV, which broadcasts MLS soccer. "This is part of what we do as a government to enhance tourism and bring people to the province," Wynne said at an unrelated event in Ajax, Ont. "There are other large events that we support, hockey events, soccer events, that bring tourism to the province, and the (NBA) all-star game is part of that." The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment was recently valued at $2.25 billion, and doesnt need corporate welfare. "The government cant resist handing out money left, right and centre and I guess Maple Leaf Sports couldnt resist taking the grant," said CTF Ontario director Candice Malcolm. "It is a shame because Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment had been a model of not seeking or going after taxpayers subsidies." MLSE said Thursday that it asked for the money because it felt the NBA event qualified for funding under the provinces program to boost tourism. "Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment submitted an application through the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster event program, which is designed to stimulate tourism and the kind of local economic impact that the NBA all-star game will bring to Toronto and Ontario," MLSE spokesman Dave Haggith said in an interview. MLSE had also announced Monday that it had hired Toronto rap star Drake as a new "global ambassador," and predicted the NBA all-star event would generate around $100 million for Toronto. "This is the first time ever the NBA all-star game will be held in Ontario, and its going to provide an outstanding amount of enthusiasm, tourism and full hotels," said Finance Minister Charles Sousa. "Do you know that in Orlando last year it netted $95 million in benefit to local communities? Thats what were talking about." But the Taxpayers Federation said there was no need to give money to MLSE to attract the NBAs signature event. "What on earth are we subsidizing," asked Malcolm. "Ontario taxpayers are simply padding their bottom line." Steven Souza Jersey . They have watched it from afar. And now they have seen it for themselves. C. J. Cron Jersey . -- Orleans Darkwa ran in from 1 yard with 1:45 left, and the Miami Dolphins rallied from two scores down in the final minutes to beat the Dallas Cowboys 25-20 on Saturday night. http://www.officialraysgearshop.com/Rays-Mallex-Smith-Kids-Jersey/ . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. 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Rob Holding (Bolton) - 4.7 Reports suggest Arsenal have had a bid of £2m accepted by Bolton for Rob Holding Arsenal are closing in on the transfer of Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding, according to reports.The 20-year-old reportedly travelled to London on Monday for a medical and to finalise personal terms after a bid in the region of £2m was accepted by Bolton.Holding, an England U21 international, has played only 30 times for Bolton and could be Wengers third signing of the summer.2. Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan) - 4.6 Mauro Icardi is a reported £46m target for Arsenal Inter Milan striker Icardi has been regularly linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Arsene Wenger desperately looking to add a striker to their squad.Speculation increased on Wednesday with Icardis wife and agent Wanda reportedly in London to open negotiations with the Gunners over a possible deal to bring her client to north London.The Argentina international scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last season3. Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) - 3.9 Gonzalo Higuain has a release clause of £78.5m which Arsenal would need to meet Its no secret Wenger is on the lookout to boost his strike force this summer and the latest name being heavily linked with a move to north London is that of Higuain, who returns to the Football Whispers top three.But the Arsenal hierarchy will have to dig deep, as Napoli will not sell the striker for anything less than his £78.5m release clause, according to Sky sources.Three years after missing out on him, could he finally be coming to the Premier League? Watch this space... Hottest Arsenal whispers - Friday, July 22 Player Club FW rating (out of 5) Rob Holding Bolton 4.7 Mauro Icardi Inter Milan 4.6 Gonzalo Higuain Napoli 3.dddddddddddd9 Arda Turan Barcelona 3.6 Alexandre Lacazette Lyon 3.2 Bruno Peres Torino 3.6 Gonzalo Higuain Napoli 3.2 Clinton NJie Marseille 2.8 Bruno Peres Torino 2.5 Matthias Ginter Borussia Dortmund 2.5 Julian Draxler Wolfsburg 2.3 Riyad Mahrez Leicester City 2.1 Carlos Bacca AC Milan 1.2 Jason Denayer Manchester City 1.2 Moussa Sissoko Newcastle 1.1 Dont forget to follow the most up-to-date information around the clock with the Sky Sports Transfer Centre Also See: Transfer Centre Latest transfer news Paper Talk Arsenal fixtures ' ' '