Harlem Globetrotters to Embark on Ninth Holiday Military Tour

In conjunction with Veteran’s Day, “Ambassadors of Goodwill” announce upcoming tour of U.S. military bases overseas

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honor of Veteran’s Day, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters announced today that the team will once again embark on an extended holiday tour of global U.S. military bases, marking the ninth time in seven years that the “Ambassadors of Goodwill”™ have entertained U.S. troops overseas.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have the freedom to entertain people worldwide because of the sacrifices these brave men and women make each and every day.”

Made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, this year’s tour will feature 11 games on U.S. military bases in five countries: Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

“It’s impossible to fully express our appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces, but our players thoroughly enjoy bringing the troops a slice of home each year, and they consider it a tremendous honor,” said Harlem Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider, “The Harlem Globetrotters have the freedom to entertain people worldwide because of the sacrifices these brave men and women make each and every day.”

For the second straight year, the Globetrotters will pay tribute to U.S. troops by playing games on the military tour with a specially-created camouflage Spalding basketball, in addition to their iconic red, white and blue basketball. The camouflage ball, the first of its kind, was debuted on Dec. 10, 2009, during last year’s holiday military tour in Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq, and was also used in portions of games on the team’s 2010 North American tour. The Globetrotters’ 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American Tour tips off Dec. 26.

Past Globetrotter military tours have visited over 25 U.S. military bases in Spain, Turkey, Guam, Cuba, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, Bahrain, Djibouti, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as tours of Iraq in 2006 and 2009.

Highlights have included a visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2005 and games on three active-duty U.S. aircraft carriers, the most recent a performance on the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in 2006.

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, Howard Johnson Hotels, America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, Greyhound Lines and Spalding, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 85^th consecutive year in 2011, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. The Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the team’s official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

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