Harlem Globetrotters give a street treat for Liverpool basketball fans

Apr 21 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

THE world-famous Harlem Globetrotters amazed crowds of fans and passers-by as they performed a few “slam dunks” in a street show outside Liverpool’s Echo Arena this weekend.

Four of the team staged a street basketball event on Saturday, where they challenged children to play against them and helped them with their skills.

Towering over the children, the players showed off their talents with ball spins and fancy footwork.

The team were in Merseyside last week to bring their Cheer – Co-operation, Healthy mind and body, Effort, Enthusiasm, and Responsibility – programme to the region’s youngsters.

Their three-day stay was supported by the Learning and Skills Council as part of their drive to promote the education maintenance allowance, through which post-16 pupils can get money for going to school or college.

Cheer has proved popular with thousands of children in the US over the past four years and has encouraged them to lead active healthy lifestyles.

Scooter, Hot Shot, Moo Moo, Stormin’ and Wildcat accepted an invitation to visit the city from Liverpool’s own Everton Tigers basketball team.

Aside from wowing city youngsters at a series of events, they were guests of honour at the Everton Tigers basketball team’s last home match of the season at Greenbank and visited Goodison Park for Everton’s match with Chelsea last Thursday.

Martyn Best, vice-chairman of Everton Tigers, said: “This is a fantastic coup for Liverpool. Without doubt, The Harlem Globetrotters are international legends, and I know many people have been looking forward to meeting these heroes.”

laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk