FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS RETURNS TO SUPPORT “NO BOOKS, NO BALL” PROGRAM

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins with No Books, No Ball founder Tony Richards at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins recently returned to the court to support the “No Books, No Ball” basketball program.

Traveling from its regular headquarters at the Orchard Gardens K–8 Pilot School in Roxbury, founder Tony Richards brought program participants to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College to hold the Annual Championship Tournament for its Youth, Junior and Pee–Wee Divisions.

The No Books No Ball program is a broad–based community action initiative that teaches children sportsmanship, athletic skill and academic aptitude through teamwork, coaching and mentoring provided by civic minded, volunteer role models. The program is committed to increasing the high school graduation rate of at–risk children and others within the community and uses basketball as a means to achieve that end.

After watching members of the program in competition before the pregame performance by music legend Michael Bivins’ new group Beano Boyz Crew, Sheriff Tompkins spoke about the program and its potentially far–reaching effects.

“I’m here to support Tony Richards and his program, because it’s important that we recognize positive community leaders who are working hard to make a difference,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “Engaging our young people while stressing education and civic responsibility is critical if we want to create and maintain a safe and healthy society.”

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