Caterham schoolgirls’ starring role at Florida NBA game

Pupils from the Surrey school were guests of honour at one of the biggest National Basketball Association games of the regular season

Girls from Caterham School’s netball team, visiting Florida for training and competition with organisers Sporta Tours, enjoyed a very special moment when they were invited on court to stand with Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards players during the singing of the national anthem – to a crowd of more than 18,000 – before the game commenced.

According to Rachel Hart, Caterham School tour leader: “It’s been an inspiring experience for the girls. The opportunity to meet with world-class basketball players within such an electric atmosphere is something they’ll never forget.”

Charlotte Tracy, 4th year team captain, added: “It was nerve-racking stepping out in front of such a huge crowd at first, but they made us feel very welcome and special – it was amazing. To then watch the game and learn more about the sport, which is so huge in the US, was great.”

The highlight came about thanks to the tour’s organisers, Sporta Tours.