Sheriff’s Office, St. Augustine Glory plan July 31 basketball game

Community partnership at heart of friendly challenge

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A new community partnership will tip off Saturday, July 31, when the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office meets the St. Augustine Glory for a basketball game in the Flagler College gymnasium.

The game, the first component of a larger partnership, will provide an opportunity for strengthening relations between the community and its law enforcement officers.

“In these challenging times in our nation’s history, it’s important for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office to partner up with anyone we can help in our community, further engage with our citizens, educate each other and come together as one,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick.

“Our mission is to create a winning community through basketball,” said St. Augustine Glory team owner and player Bradrick Clark. “It is important for law enforcement officers and professional athletes to be seen working together hand-in-hand for the betterment of our communities.”

Clark, who was born in St. Augustine, has worked in various business roles and helped players succeed on middle and high school teams and earn college scholarships.

The St. Augustine Glory is affiliated with the American Basketball Association.

Hardwick and Clark announced the upcoming game Thursday, July 22, at THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida. They encouraged the public to attend and show their support.

The doors will open at 3 p.m. with various activities, such as a youth dunk contest. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children and youth age 12 and younger and $20 for adults.

The deputies will face a tough rival on the court, but Hardwick said the game isn’t about winning or losing.

“It’s about the community partnership, community engagement, and then being involved with the only professional team of any sport in St. Johns County: the St. Augustine Glory,” he said.

The idea for the partnership began at a St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce event when Clark had an opportunity to speak with Hardwick.

The men took some time to get to know one another and talk about their views. Clark said he was impressed with the sheriff’s candidness and “genuine heart of service for this community.”

“I felt in that conversation that we got very, very far, and this is the right thing to do,” Clark said.

Flagler College gymnasium is located at 12 Granada St. in downtown St. Augustine.

For information or to purchase tickets, go to www.saglory.com. Tickets can also be found at the Eventbrite.com site at bit.ly/3rA8XCw.