Rochester Rookies
Junior Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports
The Rochester Rookies offers children with physical disabilities from age 6 to 22 to participate in recreational and competitive wheelchair and ambulatory sports.
Founded in 1976 by Paralympic Gold Medalist Jo Ann Keyser Armstrong ('68) ('72), the Rochester Rookies is dedicated to enhancing the quality of children's lives by teaching athletic skills, fostering independence, building character and helping families realize their child's full potential through programs, advocacy, and services.
So much more than competitive sports
The objectives of the Rochester Rookies are to: Teach athletic skills independence, and self-reliance. Build character and self-confidence. Encourage sportsmanship and teamwork. Promote communication skills and problem-solving. Network families and volunteers to enhance support systems.
“If it wasn’t for the Rookies I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” –Linda Youngman
Read Linda's full story here on our special 13 Stories for 13 Years site.
Training Season
The Rookies have an 8-month training season from September through November and February through June. Practice is held every Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at SUNY Brockport College in the Tuttle North Gymnasium.
Events
Competitive events include: Field: Turbo Javelin, Softball Toss (age 7-9), Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin. Track: 40, 60, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 5000 Meter, 5K events and relays. Slalom: wheelchair obstacle course. Swimming. Weight Training.
Three ways to donate now
The Rochester Rookies welcomes your donations online, by check or credit card.
1. Donate Online Here
2. Donate by check
Download and complete a printable donation form under Helpful Resources to the right. Please make checks payable to Rochester Rehabilitation and designate SportsNet-Rookies in the memo line.
3. Donate by credit card
If you prefer to pay with a credit card, call Rochester Rehabilitation at 585.271.2520. Please have your MasterCard or Visa number handy. Rochester Rehabilitation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. You will receive an acknowledgement of your donation for tax purposes.
Staff and Volunteers
Director - Jo Ann Armstrong. Head Coach - Greg Chalmers. Assistant Coaches - Kristin Marcott, Chris Stavisky. Volunteers include: college students studying adaptive physical education, physical therapy and medicine.
Questions?
Contact Rochester Rookies Director Jo Ann Armstrong at 585.392.7182, or send an email to jarmst4459@aol.com
The Rochester Rookies is sponsored by SportsNet and is a junior affiliate of Wheelchair Sports USA. SportsNet is an adaptive sports and inclusive recreation program of Rochester Rehabilitation. We are located at 1000 Elmwood Avenue on the corner of Elmwood and South Avenues (Door 6) on the Al Sigl Community of Agencies campus.