Globetrotter gives back at LRAFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Harry Brexel
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

As part of their 2017 World Tour, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their one-of-a-kind show to North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jan. 31, 2017.The basketball team recently wrapped up a busy 90th year anniversary tour, and launched the Great Assist initiative, a pledge vowing to spread 100 million smiles over the next 10 years.

However, before spreading smiles to Central Arkansas, one Harlem Globetrotter visited the Little Rock Air Force Base Youth Center Jan. 20, 2017.

Anthony “Buckets” Blakes, Harlem Globetrotters point guard, made time to visit the installation’s Airmen and families, in between performing shows in 250 cities and 48 states across North America. 

Buckets holds multiple world records, such as the highest shot in team history and the most basketball underhanded half-court shots in one minute.

In the little spare time he has, Buckets helps children build character and self-esteem through sports mentoring.

“I encourage kids to be the best they can be, because it’s very difficult to try and be someone else,” he said. 

After explaining the important integration history of the Globetrotters to military families, Buckets picked volunteers out of the crowd, displayed ball-handling tricks, signed autographs and posed for photos.

“I’ve seen the Globetrotters four times here,” said Jazzmyn, 5, daughter of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards. “I like to see the tricks and they are funny.”

To see the Harlem Globetrotters play in North Little Rock, Jan. 31, 2017, visit their official website at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.