NEWPORT pupils were left awe-struck yesterday after basketball stars from the Harlem Globetrotters paid a special visit to their school to promote anti-bullying.

Pupils at Crindau Primary School met Slick Willie Shaw and Firefly Fisher from the world-famous team, and the duo conducted a lively presentation on how to stand up to bullying in a non-confrontational way, whilst dazzling children with tricks, spins and dribbles.

During the interactive demonstration, Shaw reminded pupils that “bullying is not cool” and to think about their “ABC’s”; Action, Bravery and Compassion - part of the National Campaign to Stop Violence.

The presentation encouraged pupils to take action against bullying, show bravery in standing up to the problem and the importance of showing compassion towards others.

They also told children about the dangers of online bullying and to be careful when using social media sites. Shaw - who stands six ft six inches - added: “We must make sure we do not post any mean comments or any mean pictures.”

Pupils and teachers cheered and laughed as the players selected children and staff from the audience to participate in ball games, tricks and promote the “no bullying” message.

Shaw said: “We started the campaign and series of events to help those who had come from a background of violence. As part of the National Campaign to Stop Violence we started the ABC’s bullying presentations to promote awareness around the US and the UK to prevent bullying problems.

“We have had an amazing response from all the schools we have visited," he said. "The children have all been great and they are very excited, we fly home on Monday and we have definitely saved the best school until last!”

Year Six pupil and school head boy, Evan Havard, 11, said: “I’ve been extremely excited to see the Harlem Globetrotters and I know my dad was really jealous when I told him that they were coming to school."

The basketball super team was formed in 1926, when they were known as the Savoy Big Five. Nearly 89 years on, the team has transformed into one of the most recognisable sports franchises, with over 22,000 games played, 122 countries visited and over 140 million fans. They are a record breaking team with their player Thunder Law last month breaking the world record for the longest basketball shot thrown backwards at 82 ft 2 inches.

Headteacher of Crindau Primary, Marie Ward said: “The presentation they gave was very educational and entertaining, they put the message across in a very simple and powerful way. We are very grateful to them for coming in and speaking to the children, they were brilliant.

“From the minute they found out the Harlem Globetrotters were coming, the children have been so excited and there has been a real buzz around the school,” she said.

The basketball stars, Slick Willie Shaw and Firefly Fisher will be coming back to the UK next April as part of a UK tour with the Globetrotters.