General News: Rugby Tournament at NYMA
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| The White Plains Rugby Football Club in action. Photo by Tom Musante. |
May 18, 2011
From the Jo Jo Moore Rugby Tournament
The nineteenth annual White Plains Jo Jo Moore Rugby Tournament will take place June 11, 2011 at New York Military Academy, Cornwall on Hudson, New York. The Tournament is sponsored by White Plains Rugby Football Club and is held each year to benefit one of its founding members, Matthew 'Jo Jo' Moore, who has been a quadriplegic since suffering a severe spinal injury nineteen years ago while playing rugby. The all-day event honors JoJo, his wife Peggy, and their family, and celebrates rugby, friendship and cheer among all who come to play and watch.
Jo Jo was born and raised in White Plains, and for 34 years until his retirement in 2003, worked as a physical education and health teacher, wrestling coach, and swimming coach in the Peekskill School System. In addition, Jo Jo served as a New York State softball umpire and volleyball official, volunteer fireman, church deacon and is the father of four daughters. Jo Jo went back to teaching 2 years after his accident, and earned a second Masters Degree. He continues to coach wrestling and is a volunteer health teacher at a small private school. Jo Jo Moore is an inspiration to all of us; his kindness, grace, spirit, and courage are truly remarkable.
Tournament format is round robin competition with the first kickoff planned for 8:30 AM. Rugby matches continue throughout the day with Finals games scheduled for 4:00 PM, followed by the awards ceremony, entertainment, and dancing. Over 20 teams are expected in Divisions Old Boys (over age 35), Club Sides, Premier, and Women’s. Teams from the New York / Connecticut / New Jersey area and as far away as Albany and Boston have attended in past. Last year’s attendance was estimated at over 1,000 including players, families and spectators.
The day is a wonderful opportunity to watch rugby football, meet Jo Jo Moore, enjoy live music (Chris Paccione and the Turnstyle Jumpers) and perhaps buy a t-shirt, hamburger, and raffle tickets in support of a worthy cause.
Admission is FREE. Sponsorship and donations are greatly appreciated.
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