Basketball
Eagles Coach Visits Downing Street
19 May 2008
Prime Minister Gordon Brown talked basketball with one of Newcastle's most successful sporting imports as Fabulous Flournoy picked up yet another prestigious honour.
The Newcastle Eagles coach visited 10 Downing Street to pick up a Show Racism The Red Card Hall of Fame award. And Flournoy made history by becoming the first basketball player to be recognised by the internationally renowned North Tyneside-based anti- racism group. Fellow guests included ex-Newcastle United and England star John Barnes and former Newcastle Falcons favourite Colin Charvis. And Flournoy admitted: "It was a very proud day for me. I couldn't believe it but the Prime Minister knew who I was and wanted to talk about basketball. I have been committed to the Show Racism The Red Card campaign for some time and it is vital that basketball is on board."
Flournoy has led Newcastle to eight trophies in four seasons to firmly establish himself as the most successful playcaller in British basketball. But the colourful New Yorker is fully committed to his work in the community and is a fervent anti-racism campaigner. Show Racism The Red Card unveiled its Hall of Fame in 2004 to recognize the work and support of various individuals and former recipients include Sir Bobby Robson, Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker.
Spokesman Ged Grebby said: "Securing 10 Downing Street as the host venue for this year's Hall of Fame was a great coup for our organisation. We are proud of our North East roots and the fact that the campaign is now well known throughout Europe but still has its head office on North Tyneside. The Hall of Fame is our way of thanking the players who have given their time so generously to make our anti-racist campaign such a success."
Flournoy travelled from Tyneside to London as a guest of National Express and the East Coast mainline train operator has become a key supporter of the Eagles.
"We were proud to provide Fab with first class train travel to and from such an important event," said a National Express spokesperson. "We look forward to establishing a successful relationship with the Eagles and their supporters ahead of the forthcoming season."
Flournoy was a guest of the Hilton Wembley Plaza during his stay in the capital - just weeks after Newcastle held their end of season celebration dinner at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton. And talks have already taken place between the Hilton Foundation and the Eagles Community Foundation with a view to forging a community partnership in the future.
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