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The Harlem Wizards return to Decatur

By Michelle Mitchell Apr 22, 2022 | 10:25 AM

 

April 22, 2022- The Harlem Wizards returned to Decatur, on Thursday, April 21st.

The Harlem Wizards faced off against a Decatur team comprised of community members, members of Upward Sports, local media personalities, and former athletes. The team was coached by current Millikin Men’s Basketball head coach, Kramer Soderberg.

The event was hosted at LSA. The doors opened at 6 pm and the game began at 7 pm. The event was open to the public, and the game was played in front of a packed house.

Along with a few of my fellow Neuhoff Media co-workers, I was given the opportunity to participate in this game.
Let me tell you … if you are afraid of embarrassing yourself in front of a packed gymnasium, you are not cut out to play against the Harlem Wizards.

You have to be prepared to be made fun of, and humiliated. Whether that be, being picked up by members of the Wizards and used as a human limbo stick or being posted up by a 6’8 guy, in the paint while the crowd screams “Back it up” (That was me) Not to mention, a Wizards player thinking you were a student and shocked to find out that you, a 4’10 person, are actually an adult. (Me, again) All in good fun though.

While you definitely want to score (I did not), the object of the game is to put on a show for the kids. The best part was getting all the kids involved. The kids were able to participate in obstacle courses and shoot out contests at half time, get into the game to try and make a basket, and participate in dance parties.

According to the scoreboard, the Harlem Wizards reigned victorious, but at a Harlem Wizards game, everyone is a winner. It was just a fun event for the community to enjoy together. Also, being announced like an NBA player, and running laps around the court with your squad, is pretty neat as well.

For more information on the Harlem Wizards and their upcoming events, check out their website.

All proceeds from yesterday’s event went to Upward Sports, a non profit whose mission is to “promote the discovery of Jesus through sports” Upward Sports partners with local churches across the US and Canada, such as Decatur’s First Church of the Nazarene.

Learn more about Upward Sports by visiting their website.