Harlem Globetrotters star Ant Atkinson, native of Wilson, NC, will present the team’s “ABCs of Bullying Prevention” to 600 students in grades K-5 at Rocky Mount Prep. The young audience will include 8-year old twins Ryan and Amber Suffern, who recently received national attention when Ryan’s letter to Santa Claus went viral. Part of Ryan’s letter reads:
"Dear Santa ... I wanted a (remote control) car and helicopter, but I don't want that (anymore). (Kids) at school are still picking on Amber and it’s not fair. …”
See here for the original story from CNN - http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/16/us/bullying-santa-letter-ireport/index.html
Ant will use the Globetrotters’ signature ball handling skills in a presentation that focuses on Action, Bravery, and Compassion as ways to combat bullying. The Globetrotters designed the program in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence. Stars of the team will bring the program to over 300 schools during the 2013-14 school year.
Immediately following the assembly, Ant will present Ryan and Amber with autographed basketballs and name the twins “Junior Phenoms” for the Globetrotter Spirit they demonstrate as siblings with an exemplary friendship. They will also receive tickets to see the Globetrotters in Raleigh when the team will play at PNC Arena on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m.