Harlem Globetrotters
honor Potomac Marlins swimmer,
Anna Johannes with "Honorary Ambassador of Goodwill" Award

More Photos
by Jim Albertson

On Monday, December 21st, Harlem Globetrotter legend, Curly Neal, and current Globetrotters player "Moo Moo" Evans visited the Jewish Community Center on Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA to recognize Potomac Marlins swimmer, Anna Johannes, as an "Honorary Ambassador of Goodwill".  The Globetrotters became aware of Anna's inspiring "life-story" and recent accomplishments through an article by the Washington Post in October.  Anna has been swimming for the Potomac Marlins since age 8 and is currently training in the mornings under Coach Steve Ercolano at George Mason University.  Anna has set eight Paralympic American Records since December of 2008 with her most recent records coming at the Sport Fair Winter Classic Meet held at George Mason University December 11-14, 2009.

Moo Moo Evans and Curly Neal made a presentation to Anna on the pool deck of the JCC during Coach Bill Marlin's practice which included an official player's jersey, a team basketball, an engraved "Ambassador of Goodwill" award and six tickets to the Globetrotters game at the Verizon Center. During the presentation, Moo Moo said that he thought Anna was an amazing kid who has overcome her challenges through hard work and dedication which has enabled her to rise to the elite level she has achieved.  Moo Moo went on to say, "It's great to have someone like you for us to look up to to continue to make our job easier and to do the things we need to do to continue to make kids laugh each and every day." Moo Moo then spun the basketball on his index finger, and handed it off to Anna while still spinning.

The presentation ended with Curley and Moo Moo handing out some autographed pictures and taking some photos. Congratulations to Anna for all her accomplishments thus far and to her teammates and coaches who continue to push her to greater heights!  Anna's Paralympic American Records are listed below. (Records highlighted in red were set at the 2009 Sportfair meet)

100 Y FREESTYLE
S9 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/13/09 1:01.66

200 Y FREESTYLE
S9 Anna Johannes Fairfax, VA 12/11/09 2:10.83

50 Y BREASTSTROKE
SB8 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/12/09 37.82

100 Y BREASTSTROKE
SB8 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/12/09 1:19.65

50 Y BUTTERFLY
SB 9 Anna Johannes 31.87 12/12/09

S9 100 Y BUTTERFLY
S9 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/12/08 1:08.12

200 IM
SM9 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/13/09 2:27.54

400 Y INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
SM9 Anna Johannes Fairfax 12/12/08 5:12.31

 

Bill Marlin
Head Coach, Potomac Marlins