The Harlem Globetrotters are in the Pacific Northwest spreading their ABCs of Anti-Bullying Program.
“We’re known as ambassadors of goodwill, and we took it upon ourselves to step in and help out in the community whichever way we can,” said Derick “Dizzy” Grant, while doing tricks and talking to kids about bullying prevention at St. Benedict’s School in Seattle this week.
Grant and the Harlem Globetrotters are on tour, bringing their dazzling basketball and entertainment skills while delivering a positive message.
The Harlem Globetrotters will perform two shows Saturday at the ShoWare Center.
For Grant, the message to kids is as simple as ABC.
A stands for action, B for bravery and C for compassion, he explained. The goal of the program is to teach children what to do if they encounter bullying.
“The kids have been really receptive to it,” Grant said, “especially when I tell them I used to get picked on too.”
When it comes to basketball, the Globetrotters enjoy demonstrating friendliness and teamwork to their young fans, and but they wouldn’t be the Globetrotters without some new tricks up their sleeves.
Their latest stop in Kent is part of the “You Write the Rules” World Tour, where fans can vote online for which rule change they’d like to see during Saturday’s action.
Fans can choose between two-ball basketball, double-points, 4-point shot, having a penalty box, or playing six-on-five.
“We’re innovators of the game of basketball,” Grant said. “So we figured why not figure out something to get the fans more involved (and) give them the opportunity to decide the outcome of the game.
“We’re here in the Pacific Northwest,” he continued. “To me it’s one of my favorite places to be in the country, so I’m excited to give the fans an opportunity to rewrite the rules of the game.”
Players who could be performing in Kent include Grant, Hi-Lite Bruton, Handles Franklin and female star Mighty Mitchell. The roster is subject to change.
Tickets range from $26 to $90. To order, go to www.showarecenter.com.
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