THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS AWARD 5 COMMUNITY LEADERS ACROSS THE US

• Tiffany Hubert

The Harlem Globetrotters and presenting sponsor, Jersey Mike’s Subs, visited 5 US cities during the 2023 World Tour to honor local community members with the ‘Great Assist’®️ Award. The series, in its inaugural year, celebrates youth sports and organizations that actively pursue the possibilities of greatness by exemplifying LEADERSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP and COMMITMENT in their community.

The award and community initiative are an extension of the organization’s Goodwill Ambassadorship and is in tribute to the rich cultural history that weaves through the Globetrotters’ story. Players from the team kicked off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they recognized Boys and Girls Club Area Manager, Troy Cotton. Cotton and his staff serve more than 80 kids with academic enrichment, healthy meals and fun activities throughout the Greater Milwaukee area on a daily basis.

Next, the players moved on to Huntsville, Alabama where they teamed up with organization, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Tennessee Valley, to recognize Jaylon Mastin. Mastin has been a leading volunteer with the organization since high school and uses his engaging personality to foster positive male engagement within his community.

During the third stop of the ‘Great Assist’ Award Series, the team visited Rochester, New York for a special visit to Villa of Hope Academy. Here players surprised substitute teacher Joann Grant with the next ‘Great Assist’ award. Grant is cherished by her peers for leading the campus in new programming and the overall commitment to the youth that she reaches every day.

The fourth event took place in Austin, Texas where players surprised the first youth ‘Great Assist’ award recipient. Austin area 4^th grader, Zayden, was recognized by an area Boys & Girls Club for his growth in leadership, positive attitude and overall participation in daily activities.

The last stop of the series was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the Harlem Globetrotters teamed up with the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia to recognize another youth leader, King. King was recognized by the PAL Officers for his volunteer work with the center’s basketball program and leading his fellow PAL Members to make good choices within their community.

 The Harlem Globetrotters actively support community programs throughout the year in cities across the country and abroad. Children seeing them in action will find themselves sharing space with real-life superheroes, whose honor and conviction match their skills both on and off the court. Emphasizing social involvement, wellness of mind, body, and spirit, and the power of laughter, the Globetrotters are giving a new generation of fans the gift of smiles on their faces and hope in their hearts.