Harlem Globetrotters Roll Out Hit Summer Skills Clinics in Partnership with 24 Hour Fitness

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Building on last summer’s success, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are excited to announce the expansion of their partnership with fitness club industry leader 24 Hour Fitness®, opening up their Summer Skills Clinics – the only clinics coached by Globetrotters stars – to more families in even more U.S. cities.

“Expanding our Summer Skills Clinics program speaks to the Globetrotters being so much more than a great live tour”

Last summer’s 11-market pilot program included sold-out clinics and garnered extremely positive feedback from kids and their parents, prompting the Globetrotters to bring more players and more clinics to more cities across the U.S.

This summer, the Globetrotters will conduct Summer Skills Clinics at 24 Hour Fitness locations in 18 markets: Los Angeles; Dallas; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; Houston; Seattle; Phoenix; Miami; Denver; Orlando, Fla.; St. Louis; Portland, Ore.; San Diego; Las Vegas, Nev.; Austin, Texas; Omaha, Neb.; and Hasbrouck Heights and Paramus in New Jersey. For parental convenience, weekly schedules have been changed to three two-hour clinics per day, and now include Saturday clinics at all locations.

The Globetrotters will also be adding more motivational talks, including highlights from their new community outreach program, “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention.”

“Expanding our Summer Skills Clinics program speaks to the Globetrotters being so much more than a great live tour,” said Angela Leaney, the Globetrotters’ executive vice president of brand marketing. “Globetrotters Summer Skills Clinics are a fan-driven concept, and thanks to insight from our stars, the kids they coached, the parents and our partners at 24 Hour Fitness, this summer’s clinics will be even better. It’s awesome fun for all.”

“As a company committed to improving lives through fitness, 24 Hour Fitness is pleased to once again partner with the Harlem Globetrotters and host Summer Skills Clinics to encourage physical activity, sports participation and character development among youth,” said Randy Drake, senior vice president of business development, 24 Hour Fitness. “Last year’s clinics were very well received by our members and guests, and we are excited to offer this exclusive program again this year.”

Clinics are open to boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6-12. The registration price remains at 2012 levels of $59 per two-hour session. For more information, and to find the Clinic nearest you, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

About the Harlem Globetrotters:

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Wonderful Pistachios, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 87^th consecutive year, 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. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 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—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

About 24 Hour Fitness:

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly four million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. Since the first club opened in 1979, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, innovative group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment - 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.

Through its support of the United States Olympic Committee and many U.S. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country and serves as the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The company is committed to being a good neighbor in its communities via charitable and in-kind donations to groups focused on both helping Americans get healthy and improving youth fitness. The company’s national accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which includes A+ ratings for all club locations across the U.S., demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to member satisfaction. Please call 1-800-224-0240 or visit 24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.