On October 9th former Harlem Globetrotter Seth Franco will be demonstrating his basketball handling skills and delivering a powerful message as part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Fields of Faith event at Salem Stadium. (The event is from 6-8 PM on Sunday October 9th and admission is free.)
Growing up in New York, Seth Franco dreamed of being a professional basketball player. In 2003, Seth lived out his dream and became the first Caucasian Harlem Globetrotter since 1942!
Achieving his dream of playing professional basketball came with many challenges. The biggest challenge came during his college career; Seth experienced a leg injury that crippled him. Facing surgery and rehab, he was told that his basketball dreams were over. Seth continued to believe in his dream and persevere. While recovering from his leg injury, Seth was unable to play basketball on his feet; he practiced with his hands, making the best of his situation.
The basketball tricks Seth learned during his injury would later become the key to living out his dream. When back up on his feet; Seth had no idea where to begin pursuing his dream again. He continued to work out and his hand-eye-coordination grew faster and his tricks more amazing. Everywhere Seth played he started being noticed for his basketball tricks. A local street ball team, The Court Jesters, offered him a new start playing for the team and performing for the crowds at halftime.
After seeing Seth’s ability to perform, his coach recommended him to Universal Studios to audition for a basketball movie. Director Malcolm Lee fell in love with Seth’s ability to perform tricks while playing competitive basketball. After winning the lead role in the movie, Seth was recommended to The Harlem Globetrotter’s training camp, where he went on to make the team and was selected as spokesman for their countrywide character education program.
Seth now travels the world inspiring others to “Bounce Back” from hardship and “LIVE BIG” dreams!
As Seth says, “Great things happen to people who don’t give up!”