LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
The Harlem Ambassadors, who will be playing the Toad Suck Lions in the Conway Noon Lions Club’s upcoming fundraiser, are a talented group of college-educated athletes who provide an entertaining evening of basketball with lots of skilled ballhandling, high-flying slam dunks, comedy routines, and crowd interaction.
The Ambassadors’ mission is to deliver a quality basketball show to their audience throughout the United States and internationally. The Ambassadors stress good citizenship and promote staying in school, staying off drugs, and racial harmony.
Introducing some of the Ambassadors, from profiles on their website:
Nick Simpson, a 5-foot- 11 guard, is from Bay City, Michigan, and holds a degree in technology management from Vermont Technical College. In his second year with the Ambassadors, he was all-conference twice at Kirtland Community College and an All-American at Vermont Tech. He led the NAIA and United States Collegiate Athletic Association in scoring with a 29.5 point average. He has received a community service award for helping younger children with homework at the Boys and Girls Club. His advice to young people is: “Never let anyone ever tell you that you cannot achieve something you want in life. Go and get it.”
Cherie Hughes, one of the team’s Show Performers, is 5-4 and has degrees in communication and public relations from Azusa Pacific University. Hailing from Redondo Beach, Calif., he was named Azusa Pacific’s Ambassador of the Year in 2008, earned honor roll status during 2008-2012, and received the NAIA Women’s Basketball Champion of Character Award 2009-2011. Her advice to young people is, “Find mentors. Find someone who does what you love to do and is successful at it. Also, never be afraid to ask questions.”
Alexander Wright, Jr., a 6-5 forward, is from Fayetteville, N.C., and holds a degree in business administration from Edward Waters College. In his second year with the Ambassadors, Wright earned a Coach’s Award from Edward Waters College and has played pro basketball overseas. He is passionate about helping youngsters. His advice to young people is, “Have confidence in all of your positive abilities and, with prayer, you will be successful in life.”
The Ambassadors will be in action against the Toad Suck Lions at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb.17, at Hendrix College’s Wellness and Athletic Center. The Toad Suck Lions, is a team coached by Arkansas basketball legends Don Dyer, Cliff Garrison, and Marvin Delph and featuring alineup of local players. Tickets for the event will cost $1 for students, $3 for seniors, and $5 for adults when purchased in advance of the game. Children under age 4 will be admitted free. The night of the game, prices will be $2, $4, and $6, respectively.
Tickets are being sold at the following locations: All Simmons First National Bank branches, Gary Cox, CPA (811 Parkway Ave., the Log Cabin Democrat, and the Faulkner County Library.
Proceeds from the game will be used by the Conway Noon Lions Club to assist blind and visually-impaired citizens of Conway and Faulkner County who cannot afford eye care.