Since then, the Globetrotters have toured in 117 countries and expanded to a fan base of over 120 million people.
"It's good, clean, family fun. It's good to offer that kind of entertainment to the community, especially in this day and age when there's so much negativity going around," said Kelly Lovell-Taylor, the Globetrotters' senior marketing director. "It's something that parents aren't ashamed to take their kids to."
In addition to playing basketball games, the Globetrotters are "Ambassadors of Good Will," reaching out to the community by visiting local schools, hospitals, youth-group organizations and by donating to charities, Lovell-Taylor said.
"They love to go to schools; they'll talk to a whole class to stress education and being active because it helps you do better in school. When you see a professional athlete showing you all these neat tricks with a basketball, it draws your attention," said Bernie Punt, Bryce Jordan Center marketing director.
As part of the Globetrotters' "C.H.E.E.R. For Character" educational program, the team appeared earlier for a show-and-tell session at Radio Park Elementary School, 800 W. Cherry Lane.
A fifth grade student won a contest and scored tickets to the upcoming Globetrotters' game, along with tickets for the rest of the class.
"The 'C.H.E.E.R.' in 'C.H.E.E.R. For Character' stands for: cooperation, honesty, effort, enthusiasm, respect and responsibility. We talked about being honest and sincere with yourself, your friends, your teachers, putting forth an effort, being enthusiastic about putting forth that effort and treating others they way you want to be treated," Globetrotter Anthony Blakes said.
Blakes is entering his third season as guard for the team and is an Advance Ambassador for the 2005 World Tour.
After having traveled to places like Detroit, Miami, New York City and Phoenix with the team, Blakes' Globetrotter experience has been one of his most worthwhile.
"It actually builds character, strengthens you personally as a player, and as a person it has helped me to make correct decisions in life. I've become more humble," Blakes said.
With a rigorous schedule including practice and appearances, the Globetrotters must maintain a high standard of athleticism to make the team each year.
"[To be a Harlem Globetrotter] you don't just have to be a great ballplayer, but an outgoing person," Blakes said.
The Globetrotters, who are known mostly for their ball tricks, often perform the "bucket of water" and "steal the woman's purse" tricks, ball juggling, the "magic circle," half-court shots and slam-dunks, Punt said.
"But every year there's this new twist and that's what's the enticing thing," he added.
Send an 
