Clayton park renamed after local Harlem Globetrotter

Submitted BY TOWN OF CLAYTON

CLAYTON — The Town of Clayton has officially unveiled Donald Clyde Sinclair Park in honor of the former Harlem Globetrotter. The town held a special ceremony to rename All- Star Park, located at 400 E. Front Street.

“It’s not often we get a chance to recognize one of our own,” said Interim Town Manager Rich Cappola. “Donald Clyde Sinclair is a living legend.”

Sinclair is a lifelong resident of Clayton and a 1977 graduate of Clayton High School. Following graduation, Sinclair played at Kings Community College before transferring to play at N.C. Central University. After college, he went on to play abroad and was eventually signed by the Washington Generals.

Soon after the 1988 season, Sinclair made the jump to the Harlem Globetrotters taking on the nickname “The Glide.” He continued his career as a Harlem Globetrotter for 17 impressive years. He was awarded the Mr. Globetrotter Award in 1998, which is given to the player who most represents the spirit of the Harlem Globetrotters.

In 2005, Sinclair hung up his jersey and took on a new role as coach for the Globetrotters, where he served for seven years. Darren Banks, a Clayton High School coach who was instrumental in organizing the effort to rename the park, said that Sinclair hopes when people in the community see his name on the park sign, that they remember the Sinclair family and the tremendous impact they had on his life and so many others in the community.

“It’s not about me. It’s about my father’s last name,” said Sinclair. “It’s about making this community a better place every day.”