Washington Governor Declares “Harlem Globetrotters Week” in the State

(OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 7, 2008) – Harlem Globetrotter Buckets Blakes was the special guest of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire this week, as the Governor declared the week of Feb. 20-26, “Harlem Globetrotters Week” in the state of Washington.

The Governor presented Buckets with a special proclamation certificate, and Buckets presented the Governor and her husband, Mike Gregoire, with an assortment of Globetrotters memorabilia, including autographed basketballs.  Buckets then put on a display of basketball wizardry for those in attendance.

“The Harlem Globetrotters bring great joy to young and old alike,” said Gregoire. “The Globetrotters have become Ambassadors of Goodwill, promoting diversity and bringing people of all ethnic backgrounds closer together.  The 2008 Tour marks the organization's 82nd consecutive year of playing basketball and entertaining fans around the world.  I am pleased to proclaim the week of February 20-26, as ‘Harlem Globetrotters Week.’”

Following his time with the Governor, Buckets also helped Washington Senator Pam Roach and the Reading Tree organization pass out free books to hundreds of students on hand in the Capitol Rotunda.

As part of their 2008 “Magic As Ever” World Tour, the Globetrotters play in Kennewick on Feb. 20 (Toyota Center, 7:00 p.m.), in Tacoma on Feb. 21 (Tacoma Dome, 7:00 p.m.), in Everett on Feb. 22 (7:00 p.m.) and Feb. 24 (2:00 p.m.; Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center), and in Yakima on Feb. 25 (Yakima Valley Sundome, 7:00 p.m.).  Click here for ticket information for any of the shows during “Harlem Globetrotters Week” in the state of Washington.

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 82nd consecutive season of touring the world.  The Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life.  The Globetrotters are one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.