[projekktor id=’11221′]
The iconic Harlem Globetrotters have been turning the game of basketball into an artform since the 1920’s. One of its star athletes paid a visit to Hamilton Thursday. Firefly Fisher shared his anti-bullying message with pre-schoolers and at-risk youth at the downtown YMCA.
Thomas may be too young to understand what bullying is right now, but Firefly Fisher is able to use his basketball profile to share his anti-bullying message. He told them bullying isn’t just physical, it can also be saying mean things to a person: “You’re stupid. You’re ugly. You’re short. You’re tall. You’re this.”
Number three on the Harlem Globetrotters roster, he asked the teens to become the abc’s of bullying: “Don’t try to take it into your own hands. Be sure to tell somebody. Keep it up!”
Letter a stands for action, he told the kids to speak up on the issue: “B is for bravery. Don’t stand by bullying and let it happen.”
The pre schoolers knew exactly what letter was up next: “I need people to come up here and represent c”
Letter ‘c’ represents compassion and Firefly Fisher reminded the youth to always consider the feelings of others and to be kind to them.
Brandon Pearce-Skinner: “I’m hoping they take is seriously because bullying has gotten really bad lately. I hope the msg gets out.”
Mohamed Saniini: “Bullying is really serious. Obviously, it’s not a good thing. It’s a good message he’s sending out to people.”
Being a world famous Harlem Globetrotter is unique and cool but spreading positive messages to kids makes this job even cooler.
Fisher said: “Going in schools, YMCA’s, Hospitals; talking to kids, putting smiles on their faces. I feel like giving back to the community is always the best part about it.”
Firefly Fisher says he experienced bullying as a kid, he believes its never too late or too early to educate youth on the topic. He visited a local elementary school today as well as the McMaster Children’s Hospital. The Globetrotters anti-bullying program targets kids ages 6-12 and they have made this a global iniatiative.
For anyone who wants to see the Harlem Globetrotters in action, they’ll be at Copps Coliseum on February 9th.