MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Iwakuni All-Stars lit up the courts with the Harlem Ambassadors at the IronWorks Gym here Dec. 9 for an exhibition game to give something back to the community.
The Harlem Ambassadors put on a show of high-flying slam dunks, hilarious comedy and fun for the whole family. The score of the game really didn’t matter in the end, although the Harlem Ambassadors did blow out the Iwakuni All-Stars 77-44.
“The entertainment of getting the children involved and the families involved and putting on a good show for the community was the most important aspect of the night,” said Richard White, player for the Iwakuni All-Stars.
The Iwakuni All-Stars were composed of some of the best players aboard the station from all units.
Even though the score at the end was a blow out, Harlem Ambassadors’ coach and player Lade Majic said “The Iwakuni All-Stars were great sports. I twisted up a couple of shorts and tackled a few guys, but they got back up so they are definitely military men.”
Neither team worried about the score throughout the game. It was all about the show and sportsmanship for the spectators.
“The main thing I want them to take away from this game is you don’t have to be serious all the time and you can have fun,” said Majic. “You don’t necessarily have to smoke, drink or do negative things.”
At the end of every period, children were invited onto the court to participate in friendly competitive activities conducted by the Harlem Ambassadors.
The winner of each competition was awarded an autographed photo of the team after he or she was taught how to do the “cool” walk down the court. The “cool” walk was nothing more than dancing as they walked.
Dancing was a huge part of the Harlem Ambassadors performance. Throughout the game, Majic would stop and cause hysteria by breaking into an all out dance party on the court.
No players, spectators or officials could stop her and her persuasive ways. Anyone who tried to stop her ended up having to break out with their moves or be taught some of her moves.
With music playing throughout the game, it was easy to do so.
“God has blessed me with this talent to reach other people,” said Majic. “I’m using basketball to do it.”
The Harlem Ambassadors tour the United States, along with 19 other countries around the world, in about an 11-month period.
“This is our last stop before we head back to the states to be with our families and enjoy the holidays,” said Majic.
The last show of the year for the Harlem Ambassadors was a very welldeserved show for the local community and all their hard work done this year.
For more information on the Harlem Ambassadors or their next stop, visit their Web site at www. harlemambassadors.com.