The Detroit Tribune

Globetrotters Can Cement Political Split

Mexico City—Abe Saperstein, owner of the internationally famous Harlem Globetrotters declared here last week that sports competition between teams from the United States and South America can do more good for Latin American goodwill than all the Diplomats in the world.

Here for a brief visit with his dazzling, basketball quintet, Saperstein is probably the most popular sports promoter from the United States to ever visit Mexico City. He has been bringing his sensational teams here for 25 years, always playing before standing-room-only crowds.

During a press conference, Saperstein said he believes an annual sports "carnival" featuring all types of sports teams from the United States and South America should be staged and sponsored by the various countries.

"The Harlem Globetrotters have always been received wonderfully by South Americans," he said, "and I am sure other teams from the States will too if we can have a big sports show each year. I would include professional and amateur teams. People everywhere understand sports better than they do dull speeches by pompous diplomats."

Saperstein's idea was well received by prominent Mexicans and a sports program such as he proposed is now more than a mild possibility.

Meantime, the Globetrotters headed north this week for a series of games in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.