March 9, 2010                                                                            Contact: Matt Splett
                                                                                                      Media Coordinator
                                                                                                      splettm@health.missouri.edu 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    (573) 882-5663

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Wun The Shot Versher from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team visited pediatric patients at University of Missouri Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, March 10.

Versher entertained children with the Globetrotters’ signature ball-handling skills, gave autographs and shared his experiences traveling the world as a Harlem Globetrotter.

Versher’s visit precedes the Harlem Globetrotters’ visit to Mizzou Arena in Columbia on Thursday, March 25.

Smile Patrol™ is the Harlem Globetrotters’ hospital outreach program designed to brighten the day and lift the spirits of some very special fans who are unable to attend a Globetrotters’ game. Smile Patrol visits over 200 children’s hospitals worldwide annually, spreading joy and creating lifetime memories.

Children’s Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive pediatric health care center in mid-Missouri. Housed at University Hospital and Columbia Regional Hospital, the 115-bed hospital is the only facility in mid-Missouri offering comprehensive, specialized children’s services such as trauma care, neonatal transport, child life therapy, a pediatric intensive care unit and a pediatric hematology and oncology outpatient unit.

Photos from Wun The Shot Versher's visit to Children's Hospital on Wednesday, March 10.