Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has announced that the Hartford Business Improvement District will host a victory parade and rally on Sunday, April 17, to congratulate and honor the UConn men’s basketball team for winning the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship.

The victory parade, which will begin and end at the State Capitol, will start at 3 p.m. on April 17 and wind around Bushnell Park, Main Street, and Capitol Avenue. A victory rally with the coaches and players will take place on the north steps of the Capitol building immediately following the parade. Parade and rally organizers are relying on private funds to support both events.

“We’ve known for quite some time, but now the country knows, too – this is UConn Country,” Malloy said. “Fans of all ages from across Connecticut will come together and show the players the pride that we have in our championship-winning UConn men’s basketball team. On April 17, we will show our support by cheering on the team from the parade route, wearing our blue and white Huskies gear, and celebrating the 2011 men’s championship team with a victory celebration in Hartford.”

The Governor added, “I want to thank the Hartford Business Improvement District for again hosting this event, organizing its sponsors, and allowing Connecticut residents to once again celebrate another national championship team from our state.”

The parade will begin at the State Capitol, travel north on Trinity Street, take a right on Jewell Street, turn left on Gold Street, take a right on Main Street, and finally turn right onto Capitol Avenue before returning to the State Capitol, where the rally will be held.