The Ambassadors — who are part of the non-profit Shining Stars Network, which creates inclusive events to promote the special needs community — proudly donned their newly-minted green, white and gold uniforms for their first-ever game, which took place at Carteret High School. 

“It was an awesome experience for everyone involved,” said Shining Stars Network President and CEO Mike Curci. “It was a fun and exciting day, and while the basketball itself was entertaining, the most important part came at the end — there was a mutual respect and admiration that everyone shared.”

“It was great to see the teamwork when our Ambassadors played alongside members of the PBA,” said Shining Stars COO Travis Johnson “Our goal is to promote inclusion as much as possible and today we saw that come together at its very best.”In the first half, the Ambassadors faced the PBA, edging the officers and teachers 43-37. In the second half, the teams were mixed together so that each side had the opportunity to play together.

Along with special needs talent shows, Dance-A-Thons and mini-golf events, Shining Stars Network recently launched a two-week summer camp called Camp Shine — allowing those with special needs to perform on stage in front of a live audience. 

Soon after, it was time to roll out the Ambassadors basketball program — to continue to share the Shining Stars mission and message.

“What a great way to start off our Shining Stars Ambassadors program with a PBA benefit basketball game,” commented Board President Sally Curci. “It was a wonderful event with high energy and enthusiasm. People walked out of the gym inspired to change the world.”

“Today was just an unbelievable experience,” continued Johnson. “I just saw so many smiles and so much joy. It wasn’t just about our special needs athletes, it was all the members of the PBA, the members of the special education staff from Carteret, the fans, every single person that was involved today was beyond ecstatic, and that’s just the nature of what we’re trying to accomplish. The bottom line is it doesn’t take much to bring people together and we can’t lose sight of that. It was just an unbelievable day.”

At halftime, everyone had a chance to have some fun with a mini dance party, before Shining Star Dan Montealegre brought the house down with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Among the dignitaries on hand were Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman, members of the Borough Council, and members of the Carteret Board of Education.

“What a spectacular program today,” noted Mayor Reiman. “All the athletes coming together, having the Ambassadors come to town to play against the PBA and friends organization — raising money — not just for Shining Stars Network, but for our Carteret Specials Program and our Office for Disabled. You see the enthusiasm on everyone’s face, smiling. It’s just a wonderful day.”

Officer Sal Renda, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in helping to make the event possible, couldn’t have been happier.

“Actually it exceeded my expectations,” said Officer Renda. “I really didn’t know what to think going into this. It was so much better than good, it was great.”

Renda felt the PBA players enjoyed the experience — and it was more than just the basketball.

“A lot of the cops that were here today, talking with them afterwards, you get a different sense, a better feel. They’re just regular people just like us. Today was nothing but outstanding.”

“Today was a great day,” said Officer Matthew Failace. “It’s really a great opportunity, side by side, to interact with the special needs community. It’s also good for the spectators as well to see members of their community. As much as we’re told that it’s a great day for the special needs, it’s actually a great day for us as well — maybe even more for us.”

Carteret High School teacher Eric Bresocnik was impressed with the Ambassadors even before the game began.

“They were good, they were prepared,” noted Bresocnik. “They were practicing actual plays on the court and had uniforms on. I thought they were going to wipe the floor with us. It was a lot of fun.”

Bresocnik, who teaches history, feels these types of events bring people together.

“I always wanted to be part of the community and get involved outside of the classroom. I look for opportunities like this all the time and it’s really nice to see everybody get involved and make sure everybody has a good time. It really wasn’t about winning or losing. I think I had more fun than anybody else.”

Afterwards, the Ambassadors, made up of players from around New Jersey — including Carteret’s own Kathleen McGrath — were asked about their experience.

“It was a really good game,” noted Ryan Trezza. “We like to hang out with the police officers.”

“I had fun playing with the police today,” said Ambassador player Robbie Matos. “I had 14 points in the second half and I’m hoping to have a good season.”

Courtney Curci, the youngest player on the team, was all smiles when asked if she had a good time. “I saw my friends. I made a basket.”

Meanwhile Brian Curci, who buried an early 3-pointer, knew his team would be in for a competitive game.

“The cops were pretty good against us but we tried our hardest. It was good to play against the them. They gave us a little tougher competition out there.”

Ambassador player Iron G. reflected on how these types of experiences affect his life.

“It’s awesome. My love is strong for the game of basketball,” said Iron. “I’ve been through a lot, but basketball helps me get through the day. It’s been beautiful. Everybody contributed. It’s about the coaches, the players, the fans, the people that give us opportunities, on and off the court. We’re just normal people that does what we’re supposed to do.”

“Playing the police department was an honor,” said Ambassador Brian Figueroa. “Everything went very well. We played together. It was awesome. I can’t wait to do it again.”

“It was amazing, so much fun,” said Gerard Russomanno. “I think it was actually the most fun I’ve had playing basketball, and that’s really saying a lot. So many teams from all these divisions are so friendly, so nice. They really love the game. They have a passion for it. It was an honor to play with people like them.”

Sgt. Frank Ciarkowski was impressed with not only the Ambassadors’ basketball ability, but the camaraderie that developed throughout the game.

“This was an outstanding day,” said Sgt. Ciarkowski. “We don’t really get a chance to interact with kids that have disabilities all that often. We deal with it at work, but not in a recreational type of setting. The kids had a great time, but we had an even better time and we would love to do this more often. We enjoyed playing with everybody.”

Shining Stars and Carteret PBA Local 47 would like to thank the event sponsors for their incredible support and generosity. A check in the amount of $3000.00 was presented to the Carteret Specials and President JoAnn Kisselman to help further their mission.

“We had an awesome day. This was a wonderful opportunity,” noted Kisselman. “The inclusive aspect is what’s needed. What I say all the time is, the key word is exposure. Expose our special people to the world and they will prove themselves each and every time.”

“The money is going to go to programming that helps bring awareness to those with disabilities, to help provide recreational trips,” added Mayor Reiman. “We look forward to using these funds to really benefit the kids of Carteret.”

As for the future of the Ambassadors program, Johnson feels the doors are now wide open to bring this to other police departments and first responders throughout the state. 

“I think today reminded us that what we’re doing is a worthwhile mission. Ultimately, we just proved what we already know. People are good. People want to come together. We are all a part of a connected community and we showed that today.”

For further information on the Shining Stars Ambassadors program or to book a game in your community, contact Mike Curci at 908-294-2101 or contact via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Also, check out our stories and videos at www.shiningstarsnetwork.org — the only media outlet in the country dedicated entirely to shining the light on the special needs community.

Shining Stars Network is a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization.

Diamond Sponsors

Mayor's Charity Fund      

Carteret PBA Local 47      

Folgore Mobile Welding.  

Valiant Family Foundation

Burger Express                     

Platinum Sponsor

Carteret Business Partnership

Gold Sponsors

Investors Bank.                          

Garden State Cold Storage    

Nu World Beauty Supply                                   

BCB Bank                             

Silver Sponsors

PBA Honorary Local            

Carteret Education Association

Mets, Schiro, McGovern & Paris LLP

Mack Government Sales      

Gill & Chamas, LLC              

Bronze Sponsors   

Joseph Wutkowski, P.A.           

Angel Bakeries      

SPECIAL THANKS: to the custodial staff at CHS and to the staff at Carteret High School for their professionalism and hospitality, Ken Freeman for donating his time to referee the game, and to Riuniti Pizza and Gianni's Pizzeria for donating pizzas for the team after-party.

Shining Stars Network creates inclusive events in the community to help promote understanding and friendship in an inclusive environment through sports, dances and our annual talent shows. Visit our website at www.ShiningStarsNetwork.org to find out more.

Shining Stars Network is a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization.