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Home/Press Release/OCPO & COMMUNITY PARTNERS M.O.V.E. OC YOUTH TO ACHIEVE
MOVE Coaches Agnes Whitfield , Rob Taylor, Al Nardini, Ellianna Nardini

OCPO & COMMUNITY PARTNERS M.O.V.E. OC YOUTH TO ACHIEVE

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced seventy-five (75) area children completed the annual M.O.V.E. six (6) week Ocean County community basketball clinic offered by OCPO and its’ community partners.  The youth oriented clinic named M.O.V.E. (Motivate, Overcome, Visualize, Empower) was presented at Abundant Grace Church in Toms River.  OCPO Juvenile Unit and OCPO PBA 171 sponsored the event and owe a special thanks to Pastor Anthony Storino of the Abundant Grace Church for providing the program venue.

In its second year, Ocean County students between the ages of 10-14 attended the clinic.  To date 150 children have enjoyed and benefited from the program’s curriculum.  The youth program while recreational, also integrates Life skills lessons within the Basketball drills and is designed to promote self-esteem, respect, and setting goals.  A significant emphasis was placed on Education, Family and Drug Awareness throughout the program.  The program was offered every Thursday evening from 6 – 8 pm concluding this past Friday (2/23).  Several children received awards for Academic Achievement, Sportsmanship, Most Improved and M.O.V.E. (overall performance).   Every participant got a shirt and a medal.  The six (6) week program cost each participant $10.

The program was sponsored by Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and PBA Local 171.  Sgt. Renee Nauyoks of the OCPO Juvenile Unit coordinated the program, which was developed by Det. Anthony Carrington of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office while he was a student at Wagner University.  Coaches Rob Taylor, Al Nardini, Elliana Nardini, Agnes Whitfield and OCPO Agent Nicole Testa also gave their time to run the program.  Among the concepts promoted while learning basketball’s basics were:

  • Creating a strong sense of social responsibility.
  • Emphasized a strong sense of community for kids from all parts of the county by highlighting togetherness and acceptance of others.
  • Instilled a sense of commitment/motivation to strive to do your best every day and never give up.
  • Promoted setting goals and doing the right thing.
  • Educated participants why important to stay away from drugs, gangs and negative influences.
  • Being a leader and not following blindly.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The program goes far beyond teaching the basics of the game of hoops.  Coaches inspired the best out of each of the children both on and off the Court.  The motivational leadership of the dedicated coaches wove together several critical life skill themes that are so important in a youth’s character development.”

From left to right: Coaches Anthony Carrington, Rob Taylor, Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, Ellianna Nardini, Al Nardinia pose with program participants.

Left to right: Coaches Agnes Whitfield , Rob Taylor, Al Nardini, Ellianna Nardini

Coach Anthony Carrington and with program participant Emma Brogan proudly wearing her medal