Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors 2005-2006 tour, which covers Europe, Asia and North America, will include a stop in Winona Lake for a game at Lancer Gym 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 the name," said 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 Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show, features high-flying slam bunks, dazzling ball-handling and comedy routines led by Lade Majic, Queen of Show Basketball.
The only woman coach/player of an all men's professional team, Lade Majic has played more show basketball games than any woman in history. She competes against male 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 the best local players," said Lade Majic. "The 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 State military, having performed at more than 120 different bases worldwide.
"We are extremely proud of our relationship with the military," said Moss.
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-Qaida terrorists at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Cost of admission is a suggested minimum $5 donation. All proceeds will go to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and larger donations will be gladly accepted.
Tickets will only be available at the door, beginning at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.
"Local legends" scheduled to compete against the Ambassadors include Jeff Grose, Steve Hollar, Doug Ogle, Angie (Johnson) Anthony, Ron Brandenburg, Dale Miller, Jolie (Eckhardt) Miller, David Wayne, Tim Bailey, Joe Graham, Brian Elliott, James Joiner, Scott Blum, Jon Yeh and Dan Pacheco.
The "local legends" team is comprised of former Warsaw Community High School and Grace College players.
