The letters T.E.A.M. stand for talk, empathize, ask and mobilize.
McClurkin chose four eager participants to join him up front to help the group understand not only the meaning of the words but how to use those words to deal with real-world bullying situations.
As children sat cross-legged on the gym floor, McClurkin rallied their attention by having them clap their hands each time he shouted a number. One, two or three claps was easy but when McClurkin said “half clap,” the children were not supposed to put their hands together.
The silent clap was hard for the majority of 5 to 7 year olds, but it made for a lot of fun and laughter.
McClurkin encouraged kindness, talking to a trusted adult and finding safe places, all the while showing off some of his signature basketball moves.
At the end of the program, McClurkin told the kids goodbye and immediately heard resounding “no’s” from the entire group. He stayed and shot two behind-the-back three-pointers.
McClurkin has a confidence about him that he easily transferred to the children around him. He has toured the world with the Globetrotters for the past eight years sharing his message, “To be the best person you can be.”
McClurkin and the Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Nutter Center at Wright State University. Discounted tickets are available for all active-duty, guard, reserve, military retirees, Department of Defense civilian employees and their families. To order tickets, contact David Jimenez at 678-497-1852 or djimenez@harlemglobetrotters.com. Discounts are valid until Dec. 22.
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