HARRISBURG, Pa. - Harlem Globetrotter Chris "Handles" Franklin gave a helping hand to one Harrisburg basketball court. Franklin, along with City Mayor Eric Papenfuse, community leaders, local youth held a special dedication ceremony for the newly renovated court at 4th and Emerald Streets on Thursday.
The “Coach Cam Court” is a posthumous dedication of Harrisburg native Greg Campbell, a longtime community leader and youth basketball coach at the Camp Curtain YMCA and summer leagues in Harrisburg. Local artist, Ego Ink, painted a mural in the middle of the remodeled court to honor Coach Campbell.
The efforts of Franklin will be one of many acts of goodwill made by the Globetrotters through their new initiative called “The Great Assist.” Known worldwide as the Ambassadors of Goodwill™, the Globetrotters are giving back even more during their 90th year by leaving a mark in communities across North America.
"There's so much negativity going on throughout the city," Franklin said. "So, it's so important for us to go out and be that positive light and do something positive for not only for the community, but also the youth of this community."
They raised money through two 3v3 basketball tournaments, plus private donations by Heather Ross and Handles Entertainment.
The Globetrotters will celebrate their 90th year in the Harrisburg area when they bring their game to the Giant Center in Hershey on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. and Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available here.