From Beaufort County Police Activities League

The Beaufort County Police Activities League (BCPAL) welcomes back the famous Harlem Ambassadors for a comedic basketball competition with first responders on March 19. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Southside High School gym.

Fans are invited to come out early and see a special display of motorcycles, classic cars and emergency vehicles that will be in the high school parking lot prior to the game. One of the attractions to check out before the game is “COASTIE” the official robot of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. COASTIE has become a wonderful robotic ambassador for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Coast Guard.

COASTIE is an animated, robotic, “tugboat” cartoon character and is very mobile. He has navigation and searchlights, a rotating beacon, siren, air horn and eyes and eyelids that move meaningfully. He talks, plays music and interacts with the instructor and the children during the presentation. He even has a bilge pump that pumps water like a real boat; that always brings smiles and laughter to all when used. COASTIE also has his own built-in squirt gun that the kids just love. He is painted bright blue and has decals promoting boating and water safety from many boating safety organizations.

COASTIE teaches rules about what to do and not do in a water-emergency situation. For example, COASTIE teaches “Reach or Throw But Never Go In.” This message along with crowd interaction and instruction allows COASTIE to teach children how to throw or reach something to a person who is in trouble in the water rather than going in to try to save him. He also teaches slogans that kids remember like “Don’t Just Pack It! Wear Your Life Jacket!” and “Always Swim With A Buddy in A Supervised Area.”

Don’t miss the Harlem Ambassadors versus local first responders basketball game, March 19.

Advance tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. At the door, tickets will be $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for students. Children age 5 and under will be admitted for free. Advance tickets can be purchased at the following locations, the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, First Bank, Frank’s Pizza, all in Washington and Bat-Tle Salon Images in Aurora.

Money that is raised will be used to fund a variety of BCPAL programs to help Beaufort County’s area youth.

For more information call 252-948-0050, ext 5.