Harlem Ambassadors Roar Past County Lions 79 - 54

Washington County Kansas the Big Winner

As hard as it is these days to find an athlete role model, our local Lion’s Club was able to do just that when they brought The Harlem Ambassadors to town. We couldn’t have asked for a better display of role models. While providing awesome entertainment and showmanship, The Harlem Ambassadors also reiterated the message, “stay in school and stay off drugs” to our children, along with a multitude of other virtuous messages.

Do the kids get the message? In a word, yes.

Without realizing it the kids are learning valuable lessons in a laughter-filled entertainment package. For example, a few hours prior to the game, the Harlem Ambassadors performed at an assembly of local Kindergarten through Sixth-graders. Starting off with a few basketball tricks and slam dunks, the performance progressed into the real reason why the Ambassadors exist:

• to proclaim a message of drug awareness,

• to teach the kids the importance of respecting parents and teachers,

• to stay in school,

• to pursue higher education,

• to make wise choices.

Unlike some who have reached athletic stardom, however, the Harlem Ambassadors practice what they preach. Each member of the team is drug and alcohol free and has attained a four year college degree.

Driving home their point of knowledge is power, The Ambassadors tossed out quiz questions to the assembly. Volunteers that answered correctly were treated to front row seats during that evening's basketball game.

The game was on November 20 at Washington County High School against The County Lions, a local basketball team recruited by the Lion's Club from the Washington County and Belleville of Republic County. Local Businesses sponsored the players, covering the fee for the Harlem Ambassadors. The sponsors received recognition in printed flyers that were made available to a packed gym. Approximately 900 tickets were sold to enthusiastic residents of all ages.

In addition to performing hilarious Basketball antics resembling that of the Harlem Globe Trotters, The Harlem Ambassadors involved the children during halftime playing musical chairs and other games. Aaron Welch was the lucky recipient of an autographed Harlem Ambassadors team picture. Luke Gauby won an autographed Harlem Ambassador Basketball that is an exact replica of the Game Ball.

Much to the delight of the audience one County Lion, Garrett Stuart, was singled out for some good-natured fun. Stuart was fouled by Lade Majic and was wrestled to the floor. The fun continued when Stuart was granted free throws, interspersed with a good-natured "harassment" from the Ambassadors.

There were no losers in this match even though the Ambassadors won 79 - 54. According to Lion President Marci Kohlmeyer, the event raised over $3,500, which the Lions Club donated to Kansas Specialty Dog Service (KSDS), Washington County High School Booster Club, The Food Pantry, DARE, The Backsnack Program and The Boy Scouts. Washington County Kansas, in the end, was the big winner with monetary donations to worthy organizations and the lasting impression the Harlem Ambassadors, as role models, left in the hearts and minds of the children and to community.

This game was the end of a 200 consecutive games (except for Sundays) series played by the Harlem Ambassadors and immediately followed by a Thanksgiving break. The following week they were scheduled to play in Tokyo, Japan, spreading their positive message across the globe.

 Copyright WashingtonKS.com

  The Lions Clubs of

 Washington, Barnes,

 Morrowville and Clifton  

Proudly Presented:

www.harlemambassadors.com

ON

Friday, November 20th

7:00 PM

Washington County High School

The Harlem Ambassadors

VS

The County Lions