Harlem Globetrotters put new spin on entertainment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  With a score of 119-89, the Harlem Globetrotters defeated the International Elite team during the 12th Annual Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Tour Dec. 10 at Aviano Air Base.

Sponsored by Navy and Armed Forces Entertainment, with support from the 31st Force Support Squadron, the Globetrotters hosted two shows that entertained more than 1,000 Team Aviano and Italian community members.

"We appreciate everything that the troops do for us," said Sweet J., a Harlem Globetrotters guard. "We know you guys don't get a lot of entertainment, so this is our opportunity to show our appreciation. That's why we do tours like this, to try and bring smiles to the troops and their families."

Founded in 1926, the Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that performs around the world and combines athleticism, theater and comedy into their games. Along with their mascot, Globie, the team captivated Aviano members through audience participation, choreography, tricks and their overall basketball skill.

During the show one special on-looker received a chance to perform with the team. Eliana, 9, daughter of Staff Sgt. Keith Broersma, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, earned an official Globetrotter basketball by successfully spinning a ball on her finger. A staple of their show, ball spinning is only one of their ways of interacting with the audience. Throughout the show team members would stop the show to invite audience members to the court for dance-offs, musical chairs or just to say "hi" to service members and their families.

"It was great for them to come out and support the troops," said Senior Airman Hector Chacon, 31st Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspections technician. "The trick challenges were my favorite part."

At the end of each show, the Globetrotters hosted a meet and greet, which allowed service members and their families a chance to meet the iconic basketball players, and receive autographs and photos.

Unknowing of the pre-arranged meeting, Chacon brought a basketball in hopes the team would sign it. At the end of the fourth quarter, the Airman's hopes were fulfilled after receiving signatures from all members of the team.

"Being my first tour, my most memorable experience is the fans," said Sweet J, who is on the tour for the troops for the first time. "It's incredible how accepting the crowds have been."

Since its inception, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in more than 20,000 games in approximately 120 countries. As part of their normal 2013-2014 "You Make the Rules" tour schedule, the team added 12 games at U.S. military installations in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Greece and Spain. For more information about the team, visit http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/.