Before celebrating their 90th year with three games in the Kansas City area this weekend, two Harlem Globetrotters are bringing the team’s “Great Assist” initiative to local youth.
A few of the Harlem Globetrotters made an appearance at Faxon Elementary school today, to play some fun games and learn about bullying prevention.
“I was pretty amazed,” says 7 year old Ezekiel Millan, “When they do the basketball tricks…yeah, that was my favorite!”
As part of the great “Assist Initiative”, two Globetrotters visited local students to talk about bullying while showing off their skills.
“Using a basketball as a tool to have some fun with them,” says Anthony “Buckets” Blakes, one of the Harlem Globetrotters.
“They remember things through having fun,” adds Crissa “Ace” Jackson, another Harlem Globetrotter.
Buckets is in his 14th season with the Harlem Globetrotters. He says they visit more than 400 schools a year.
“Our program that we`re going to do today is the ABCs of bullying prevention for the kids…the A is action, the B is bravery, and the C is compassion,” Buckets says, “Just some simple ingredients to give the kids to help them get over some bullying obstacles in their school, eventually to help eradicate bullying so they have a carefree learning environment.”
“Professional athletes, somebody that`s been on TV, they think that`s super cool, the Harlem Globetrotters said bullying is not cool…so bullying is not cool!” Ace adds.
“I think it sheds some more light on what the parents and teachers are trying to get across,” says Buckets.
Crissa “Ace” Jackson is a rookie and the 13th female in the Harlem Globetrotters 90 year history…she says it’s very rewarding.
“Being able to put smiles on their faces, encouraging them to be positive, do their school work,” says Ace.
They say they`re trying to be good role models for the kids and send a positive message.
“We sign autographs after every single game before we head into the locker room, and some of those kids will come up to you and say hey you came to my school and talked about action and bullying and compassion,” says Buckets, “Those kids are our little messengers after we leave the school.”
The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at the Sprint Center and the Independence Events Center this weekend. For more info: http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/