Globetrotters’ show continues

In the process while opening the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, they also had another equally important job to do on that eventful day.

After half time, the Globetrotters unveiled specially-made pink uniforms from Russell Athletic and played part of the quarter with specially-designed Spalding pink basketballs to signify their tour-long campaign to promote breast cancer awareness, according to the match analysis on the official website.

Pink basketballs will be used during portions of games throughout the Globetrotters’ North American Tour, to promote breast cancer awareness. The star studded squad always have charity and social work on their tour agendas whether it is the US or abroad.

The Globetrotters’ catchy slogan, “Our biggest trick is bringing families together,” is infectious and even the most reluctant of youngsters and older members of families tend to attend the matches and shows.

Superstars, Hi-Lite Bruton and Buckets Blakes, met hundreds of school children at various schools in Abu Dhabi earlier this week, well ahead of the Capital shows on October 27 at 2pm and 7pm at the Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Complex.

The players interacted with the children and spoke to them about the idea that anything in life is achievable through dedication and commitment. The stars also met the management from The International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism during the Abu Dhabi pre-event promotion this week.

Today (Friday) the Globetrotters, after the opening UAE show on Thursday night at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, will stage two performances at 2pm and 7pm at the same venue. They move on to the Capital the same night, for the Abu Dhabi extravaganzas.

After a five-year wait when the Globetrotters last made their appearance on UAE soil, there could not have been a better opportunity than the five-game road show scheduled for the Eid holidays this year. The matches in Dubai will see them play with more vigour after the hoopsters shake off the final bits of travel weariness following the big ‘warm-up’ opener on Thursday night.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the United Arab Emirates,” Jeff Munn, Harlem Globetrotters chief operations officer told the media earlier. “The fans there (UAE) are fantastic, and I know the players are really looking forward to delivering the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind brand of family entertainment to the region.”

Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their mastery of the game with a comical element in over 150 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever experience of the world’s most popular game after soccer and volleyball.

Inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained thousands of fans — among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents — over the past decades.

The Globetrotters introduced the sport with a different approach to the millions of basketball fans since their first international overseas tour in 1950.

They play competitive matches as well during their shows against top local outfits, spiced with the ingredients that make them hot property not only for basketball buffs but also the family as a whole.

They have a 3,000 plus match streak for the past so many years since inception. And, the team is inching closer to the 500-win milestone, all worked out from the round the year road trips in the US and abroad.

Strongly backed by Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 86^th consecutive year in 2012, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages, the official website explains.

For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets for their worldwide shows and team merchandise, readers can visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com

For further enquiries about the remaining 4 shows here, readers can contact +971-4-4390900 or info@doneevents.com

moni@khaleejtimes.com with inputs from agencies and official website