Harlem Globetrotters player, El Paso native, visits Providence Children’s Hospital
The Harlem Globetrotters are giving back even more in their 93rd season, pledging to continue to spread smiles around the world with acts of kindness.
El Paso native Sam “Dash” Diaz is in his third season with the Globetrotters, and today, he surprised some very special fans at Providence Children’s Hospital as a part of the Harlem Globetrotters Smile Patrol Program.
Diaz, born and raised in the borderland, graduated from Montwood High School, where he played basketball. Although he has been with the Globetrotters for three seasons, Sunday’s “Fan Powered” World Tour will be the first time Diaz will be performing for his hometown.
Diaz decided to stop by Providence Children’s Hospital to spread cheer and show off some fun tricks to children to help brighten their day.
“Just bringing some inspiration and showing some love back to my city. I’m from here so it’s a great feeling to just come back and give back to these kids that need it,” said Diaz.
Smile Patrol visits over 150 children’s hospitals worldwide annually, spreading joy and creating lifetime memories, as players display their ball-handling wizardry, sign autographs and share some laughs with patients.
After the hospital visit, Diaz will surprise the Downs in Motion organization with tickets to the show, as the organization just started its basketball team and had a tremendous season.
Lastly, Diaz will visit his old recreational center, Loya YMCA. He will speak to the youth basketball teams about working hard, dedication, and giving back; plus teach some staple Globetrotters tricks.
Diaz believes hard work and dedication is what helped him get to where he is right now, and he urges other young kids to never give up.
“Keep pushing, always strive to be the best you can be. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something because I heard it my whole life. That I couldn’t do something and I’m a walking testimony that that’s a lie. You know, hard work and dedication will get you anywhere,” he said.
The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their all-new “Fan Powered” World Tour to the Don Haskins Center in El Paso on Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m.
CLICK HERE for more information on the show.
