Harlem Globetrotters Entertain Aviano

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class LaVel Sterling
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Aviano Air Base to perform two exhibition games against the Washington Generals Dec. 2 and 3 at the Dragon Fitness Center.

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibitionary basketball team that has entertained fans around the world with trick basketball moves and comedic skits for 85 years. This is the Globetrotters eighth annual military tour.

"The military crowds enjoy the performances so much," said Globetrotter Guard "Rocket" Rivers. "Our purpose is to show our appreciation for the military. We just want to bring a little bit of America over to wherever they are abroad. We wouldn't be able to do our jobs, live our lives and have the freedoms that we have without the sacrifices that the men and women of our Armed Forces make."

During the exhibition games against the Washington Generals, the Globetrotters high-flying alley-oop slam dunks, dances, and skits, including Globetrotter football and 2-on-5 basketball, provided entertainment that kept the crowd laughing throughout the evening.

"I'm ecstatic to come back and see the smiles on their faces when they see us coming," said Globetrotter forward Kevin "Turbo" Pearson.

During the Globetrotters also met up with children and teens at the Aviano Youth Center as part of the Globetrotter University program. Team members mentored the kids and encouraged them to be active by teaching them basketball basics, such as passing and shooting as well as some of their simpler tricks.
"Meeting the Globetrotters, seeing their 'hyperness' and how they like basketball influences me to be a better player," said Elisha Smith, an Aviano High School student.