Harlem Globetrotters Begin 88th Season, Launch National Partnership with World Vision

SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of the world's largest humanitarian organizations is partnering with an iconic American institution to improve the lives of children around the world.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/DC36135)

The Harlem Globetrotters are partnering with World Vision to give its fans the opportunity to support World Vision's mission while enjoying the Globetrotters' beloved brand of family entertainment.

The North American leg of the Harlem Globetrotters 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour will recommence on Dec. 26, 2013, with the Globetrotters playing 300 games in over 250 cities in 48 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico through April 2014.

As its official tour partner, World Vision will have a presence at all of the Harlem Globetrotters games during the "Fans Rule" tour.

Harlem Globetrotters fans attending live events will have the opportunity to learn about World Vision, meet volunteers and staff, make a donation or sponsor a child. Fans who sponsor children at Globetrotters events will receive additional incentives, including merchandise and photo opportunities with players.

Harlem Globetrotters players also will appear at dozens of World Vision events across the country and the organizations will partner on in-game promotions.

Three Harlem Globetrotters players – Special K Daley, Buckets Blakes and TNT Maddox – recently traveled to World Vision communities in Honduras to personally witness how World Vision's work can bring hope to those affected by poverty.

While in Honduras the players traveled with a family to secure clean drinking water, visited local farmers, met with youth who are starting small businesses to pay for education and visited the families of World Vision sponsored children.

"It was an eye-opening and life-changing experience to witness the positive impact World Vision has on families and children," said Daley. "We had the opportunity to see different stages of development, and I am proud that the Globetrotters are partnering for such a worthwhile cause. I have personally sponsored a child and look forward to corresponding with him and watching him develop."

"Through its partnership with World Vision, the Harlem Globetrotters are entertaining the world and serving the world," said Morris Franklin, Director of Sports & Entertainment at World Vision US. "Our organizations share the common value of serving children and I am confident that this partnership will improve the lives of children around the world."

The Harlem Globetrotters 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour tips-off Dec. 26 in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Ohio, and Madison, Wisc.

About The Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 88th 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. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem 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 World Vision 
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/press or @WorldVisionNews on Twitter.

SOURCE World Vision