About the Harlem Globetrotters "C.H.E.E.R. For Character" challenge
After a successful debut season of the "C.H.E.E.R. For Character" program during their 2004 World Tour, the Globetrotters will once again extol the benefits of character development to rave reviews by teachers, administrators and students.
The Globetrotters designed the program with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. While there are several different character traits emphasized by various programs across the country, the Globetrotters' program focuses on Cooperation, Healthy mind & body, Effort, Enthusiasm, and Responsibility, using the acronym "C.H.E.E.R."™
The program targets 6-12 year-old students and involves Globetrotter players incorporating their signature ball handling skills with a "C.H.E.E.R." basketball. The basketball includes each of the character traits printed on the outside of the ball and is used as a key tool during the presentation to each school. Globetrotter players encourage students to match their actions with those five character traits in all their life experiences with parents, teachers and one another.
Character education involves getting kids to care about school and each other in order to better prepare the students for the challenges they will soon face as young adults. Studies of character education programs across the nation indicate that character development training can work to improve attitudes toward elders while reducing violence, drug use and risky sexual behavior. Research also shows these programs can help students achieve better grades at every level of their education.
Combining the important messages of the program with student participation and signature Harlem Globetrotter ball handling and humor gives students a well-balanced program that informs and entertains.
The Globetrotters will continue the "C.H.E.E.R."™ program as part of their 2009 "Spinning the Globe" World Tour, celebrating the team's 83rd Anniversary. School visits will coincide with the Globetrotters tour schedule from December 2008 and through April 2009. Due to tour logistics, school visits can only take place in markets the Globetrotters will appear in during the 2009 World Tour.
To request an appearance, fax the Harlem Globetrotters Public Relations Department on school letterhead at 602-258-5925.
Harlem Globetrotters' "Spinning the Globe" world tour comes to the Bay Area
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 "Spinning the Globe" World Tour to San Jose on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2009 and to Oakland on Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18, 2009 with their completely unique brand of exciting family fun, sure to create enduring memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Fans will be captivated by the Globetrotters' basketball wizardry, hilarious antics and fan interaction, all presented by some of the world's greatest athletes and entertainers, such as the reigning Clown Prince of Basketball, Big Easy Lofton; dribbling sensation Flight Time Lang; the gravity-defying Hi Rise Brown; ball handling extraordinaire Handles Franklin; fan favorite General Grant; and 7-foot-4 Skyscraper Alleyne.
"The Harlem Globetrotters are the very definition of family entertainment and great basketball," says Michael Kenney, the Globetrotters' senior vice president, live event marketing. "There is no better time than now to come to HP Pavilion at San Jose and ORACLE Arena and thoroughly enjoy a wonderful family outing and share memories that will last forever."
Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, Spalding, and America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, the Harlem Globetrotters will take the court at HP Pavilion at San Jose on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets start at $17.00 and are available at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office and ticketmaster.com. The Globetrotters will be at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $17.00 and are available at the ORACLE Arena box office and ticketmaster.com.
Individual ticket information can also be found on the Harlem Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com, as well as info on group and scout tickets.
Now in their 83rd consecutive season of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 120 countries on six continents, entertaining over 128 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life. The Globetrotters are one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase team merchandise, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.
