International exhibition basketball team the Harlem Globetrotters arrived in Cairo on Wednesday ahead of three much-anticipated performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The team has been touring the world entertaining families with their unique blend of comedy and basketball for 87 years, but this is their first time in Cairo since 1989. When the team learnt that they would be returning to Egypt, their overwhelming feeling was one of excitement. “I learned early on in my travels not to believe everything you see on TV," said team member Flight Time who has now been to 92 countries. “When I told people I was going to Cairo, they said, ‘Aren't they fighting over there?' and I said, ‘Man, where aren't they fighting?'" Despite a busy weekend, the team insisted on seeing the city on Wednesday, with a trip to the pyramids in the morning followed by a visit to the Children's Cancer Hospital 57357. Hospital visits are a big part of what the team does, taking the show to children who are unable to attend the actual event, Flight Time said. “We speak the universal language of basketball," said team member Dizzy. “We try to break down cultural barriers around the world and serve as role models for kids everywhere." The team will perform at 3 and 7 pm on Friday and 2 pm on Saturday in the Cairo International Indoor Stadium. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit the team's official website.
