Harlem Globetrotters star thrills young Patients at Sparrow Children’s Center
Published: Jan. 16, 2012
Wun "The Shot" Versher of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters delighted young Patients and families today when he stopped by the Sparrow Children's Center pediatrics playroom.
Wun (pronounced: Wahn) entertained fans with impressive ballhandling and dribbling skills, like spinning a basketball on his fingers and balancing it on his back. He autographed photos of the team and snapped pictures with young Patients. The 6-foot, 5-inch forward is described on the Globetrotters' website as "one of the greatest shooters in team history...(who) has been a part of some of the organization's most memorable moments."
"I'm just doing what the Globetrotters do best," Wun said about his visit to Sparrow. "It's all part of entertaining - whether it's in the hospital or in an arena."
That included dazzling young Patient, Charity Stoll, 2, and her two sisters, Grace Stoll, 11, and Rachel Stoll, 9, with hoops tricks.
"It was a nice surprise to see him," said their mother, Heidi Stoll. "They're really excited."
Versher was in town in advance of the Globetrotters game this Saturday, Jan. 21 at Michigan State University's Breslin Center. The Globetrotters began in 1926 and 20,000 games later the team is one of the most recognizable franchises in sports.
For more than a century, Sparrow has been a leader in caring for children. The first hospital in mid-Michigan to offer a dedicated children's unit, Sparrow today is home to the region's only full-service pediatric emergency department. And, as the region's Children's Miracle Network hospital, Sparrow is able to provide families the most advanced technology and treatment options in pediatric and neonatal care. The Sparrow Children's Center receives more than 40,000 visits each year. Sparrow Caregivers specially trained to work with young children include nurses with advanced training in pediatric care and child life specialists who help children deal with sickness or injury through play, education and emotional support.
