Harlem Globetrotters of Harlem New York; committed to EXCELLENCE worldwide.

Harlem Globetrotters, historic basketball team of Harlem continues to be active within the Harlem community and also worldwide creating a significant impact on the cultural experience of the basketball phenomenon, sports culture and philanthropism.

In year 2025 The world-recognized team commits itself to the fight against food insecurity and waste convened with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as having appointed the world-recognized Harlem Globetrotters as Global Goodwill Ambassadors recognizing Harlem N.Y.’s team’s dedication to raising awareness in regards food waste, food insecurity, and the importance of healthy dietary consumption and were joined by Queen Letizia of Spain, King Letsie III of Lesotho.

Harlem Globetrotters of Harlem’s significant impact was recognized internationally at Rome’s Palazzo dello Sport, as FAO Director-General QU Dongyu on the basketball court in Rome, Italy during the halftime show to make the announcement highlighting the basketball team from Harlem’s exemplary humanitarian efforts to protect food security and raise awareness regarding nutrition/nutrition concerns.

Quote from article written on the Globetrotter’s website reads:

…"For almost 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been sharing joy and teaching others around the world about unity, equality and solidarity.” The Director-General pointed out that, “80 years ago, when FAO was officially established, the Harlem Globetrotters started a global movement for happiness, health, peace and prosperity." Addressing the Globetrotters’ head coach, Saul “Flip” White Jr, who accepted the designation scroll on behalf of the team, which stood around him, the Director-General added: "In the year of FAO’s 80th anniversary, I am proud to designate the Harlem Globetrotters as FAO Global Goodwill Ambassadors.” The Director-General closed by thanking the Harlem Globetrotters for “everything they have done so far, and for what we will do more together in the future.”

The Harlem Globetrotters head coach expressed his enthusiasm for the designation, stating that "on behalf of the Harlem Globetrotters, we are hugely grateful to accept this prestigious and important designation. We look forward to supporting FAO's crucial work in the agrifood sphere - throughout (and beyond) this important 80th anniversary year for FAO. Thank you!"

As FAO Global Goodwill Ambassadors, the Globetrotters will use their renown and platforms to engage audiences - young and old - worldwide, advocating for healthy diets, reducing food waste and sustainability.” … “Formed in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters are an iconic exhibition basketball team known for their distinctive blend of basketball, comedy, athleticism, and theatrics. Off the court, they use sport as a vehicle for positive change and social impact. Their Emmy-Award-winning NBC primetime programme, Play It Forward, for example, highlights their global humanitarian efforts.

The Harlem Globetrotters join an acclaimed list of FAO Goodwill Ambassadors, including Queen Letizia of Spain, King Letsie III of Lesotho, as well as Champions like chefs Allessandro Borghese, Cristina Bowerman and Fatmata Binta who help promote FAO’s vision of a world without hunger. FAO Goodwill Ambassadors and Champions are distinguished people of talent and passion, who recognize the importance and responsibility individuals play in promoting food security, and who inspire goodwill and help foster political will to reach specific goals under FAO’s mandate.”

Additionally later in Spring of year 2025; Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs named 10 national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest, NATIONWIDE competition challenging kindergarten through fifth grade students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects through the vision of the legendary Globetrotters designated as the source of inspiration yielding that offers four figure cash prizes from Jersey Mike’s Subs, a restaurant with more than 4,000 locations open/in development serving authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on delicious in-store freshly baked bread since year 1956 with a passion for giving to local communities as identified in Jersey Mike’s Subs’ mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” of which the winnings are distributed to participating schools to in support of future creative programming with an additional one grand prize winner also winning a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s as well as an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters during the school year. The Harlem Globetrotters website makes mention of further details regarding this year’s competition and national finalists including:

“This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include: • Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities. • Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class. • Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game. • Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration. • Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots. • Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade. • Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video. • Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting. • South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March. • Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.” The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.”… “The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents. They have expanded the brand by coming back to network television for the first time in 40 years with their Emmy nominated NBC series “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward” which also airs on Telemundo as “Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.” Content partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, and Hearts Media Production Group; consumer partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid; and additional partnerships include our official tour partner Jersey Mike’s Subs, official ball partner, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, The National Archives, ‘Great Assist’ in partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs, Campus Multimedia Court of Creativity, and Comic Relief Red Nose Day.”

Written by: Danyal Sorel

Reply

or to participate.