ECC Hosts Pulsating Valentine’s Day Carnival

Central Islip, N.Y. - On Saturday, February 13, student-athletes from all eight ECC institutions gathered in the gym at the NYIT Central Islip campus to host the First ECC Valentine’s Day Carnival.  The Carnival was the culmination of a two-day leadership workshop that incorporated an exploration of leadership styles as well as character building sessions.

“The first East Coast Conference Valentine’s Day Carnival was a great success,” ECC Commissioner Dr. Robert Dranoff reflected.  “Thanks go to Melanie Holz and her staff from the South Shore Youth Organization from Suffolk County for helping to reach out to community families and support this important community engagement activity.”

Over sixty families attended the carnival that featured carnival games, mascots, face painting and, of course, two valentine craft stations.  The children bounced from station to station playing games with student-athletes including a basketball shootout, a cupid soccer contest, fitness bingo and mini-bowling.

“It was so rewarding to see the smiles on each of the kids faces as they walked away from each game or activity with their prize bag full of candy,” beamed William Miller, a sophomore soccer player from St. Thomas Aquinas.

After the crafts and games, the families mingled with the student-athletes over dinner.  Visits from the Dowling and Molloy mascots provided a picture perfect opportunity to capture the memories made that day.

“I think the Carnival was a great way to finish an outstanding weekend and leadership program for our student-athlete representatives, added Dranoff.  “I was so impressed by our men and women and their willingness to be involved.  They were having as much fun as the children and we look forward to making this party part of our annual event.