The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors 2005-2006 Tour, covering Europe, Asia, and North America, will include a stop in Winona Lake for a game at Lancer Gym tonight, Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m.
“It’s amazing, but with eight overseas tours each of the past four seasons, the Ambassadors actually cover more of the globe than that other ‘Harlem’ team that has ‘globe’ in their name,” observed Ambassadors President Dale Moss.
It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Basketball Show, is the slogan for the Ambassadors. “It means we offer a younger, fresher, livelier basketball show,” explained Moss.
The Ambassadors will play a team of “Grace legends” which includes Tim Bailey, Scott Blum, Brian Elliott, Joe Graham, Jolie Eckhardt Miller, Dan Pacheco, and Jon Yeh. Also playing will be basketball icons from the Warsaw/Winona Lake community, including Jeff Grose, Steve Hollar, Coach Doug Ogle, and David Wayne.
Cost is a suggested $5 minimum donation. All proceeds go to the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, and tickets are available only at the door, beginning at 6 p.m.
The Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show features high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling, and comedy routines led by Ladè Majic, Queen of Show Basketball. The only woman coach/player of an all men’s professional team, Ladè Majic has played more show basketball games than any woman in history. She competes against opposing men players on a nightly basis and represents a great positive role model for young girls.
The Ambassadors do not travel with a pre-selected opponent or present a choreographed show. “We like to be challenged by the best local players,” said Ladè Majic, “There are always a few tough players in any place we go.” Dealing with opposition who do not know exactly what will happen next creates an Ambassadors show that is loaded with spontaneous improvisation humor.
The Ambassadors Tour has carried the team to 39 states and 19 foreign countries. The Harlem Ambassadors are the leading provider of entertainment to the United States military, having performed at over 120 different bases worldwide.
“We are extremely proud of our relationship with the military,” Moss noted. The team has performed for troops deployed in front-line positions in the Balkans and Korea. The Ambassadors also recently performed for the Marines guarding captured Al-Queda terrorists at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.