Harlem Globetrotters To Celebrate World Trick Shot Day On Dec. 6

Globetrotter Star Buckets Blakes Sets New North American Record For Highest Shot Ever

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Dec 06, 2016, 08:30 ET

ATLANTA, Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The originators of the trick shot, the Harlem Globetrotters, will take their shot-making exploits to new heights as part of the campaign to celebrate the first "World Trick Shot Day" on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The Globetrotters created "World Trick Shot Day" to give fans from all over the chance to celebrate what they're capable of doing with a basketball, a hoop, and a little creativity. The Registrar at National Day Calendar officially declared "World Trick Shot Day" a national day in October 2016.

As part of the first celebration of "World Trick Shot Day," Globetrotter Buckets Blakes nailed an amazing shot off the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio that was measured at 583 feet and eight inches, the highest shot ever made in North America. To see the record feat, click HERE.

A recurring celebration to be commemorated on the first Tuesday of every December, "World Trick Shot Day" will not only pay homage to the fun and entertaining aspect of the trick shot, but also invite fans from all over the globe to get in on the act, as well. By using the hashtag, #WorldTrickShotDay, trick shot artists everywhere can share their attempts at one-of-a-kind moves all across social media. The Globetrotters are rewarding 10 winners with tickets to their 2017 World Tour via social media video responses from their current stars.

"There is legitimately no better feeling than taking and making a trick shot," said Blakes. "The Harlem Globetrotters have been doing this since before it was actually named a 'trick shot.' So to be a part of the first celebration of 'World Trick Shot Day' is very cool. I speak on behalf of the team when I say I can't wait to see what fans cook up in their own backyards."

"We really think fans will have a great time celebrating 'World Trick Shot Day' with us," Howard Smith, President of the Harlem Globetrotters said. "From its infancy, the Globetrotters have stretched the boundaries of what is possible in basketball and entertainment. There's no better nexus of those than the trick-shot."

From the great Goose Tatum, Meadowlark Lemon, and Curly Neal who helped popularize the trick shots to the Globetrotters of today who have wowed crowds with their exploits – the team continues to be innovators. This season, they will debut the basketball's first 4-point line. Just last month, the Globetrotters shot-making skills were on full display as the team set a record nine Guinness World Records, including the longest hook shot and the longest shot blindfolded.

The Globetrotters tip off their 2017 World Tour on Dec. 26 and will play in over 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

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SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters