1. Rehabilitation Hospital Medical Research Institute
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Richard Sgaglio
Burke Rehabilitation Center
(914) 597-2491 – Office
(914) 471-7070 – Cell
rsgaglio@burke.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital to Host 35th
Annual Wheelchair Games Sept. 20
WHITE PLAINS, NY – June 23, 2014 – For over three decades, Burke Rehabilitation
Hospital has been drawing wheelchair athletes of all ages from the tri-state area and beyond to its
annual Wheelchair Games. September 20th
will mark the milestone 35th
annual Wheelchair
Games.
Each fall, Burke’s campus evolves into a profound showing of sportsmanship,
camaraderie, and determination. The sporting event permits disabled persons to excel physically
in a variety of track, field and table tennis events. Known for therapeutic benefits, wheelchair
sports also build strength, coordination, endurance and self-confidence.
Track events include 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 400, 800, and 1,500 meter races, and the slalom,
which is an obstacle course. Field events include club, softball, javelin, shot put, and discus.
“It’s like having the Paralympics in your backyard,” said Wheelchair Games co-chair
Tracey Bogart. “It truly is an inspiring event and every year Burke is proud to host such an
amazing group of athletes.”
The Wheelchair Games give those with physical impairments the ability to stay fit, enjoy
sports and compete. With over 70 athletes expected to compete, the Wheelchair Games were
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broken down into three different competitive categories. A Future’s Division which consists of
children at the ages six and under, a Junior’s Division which consists of athletes between the
ages seven through 21, and lastly an Adults/Master Division which is any athlete over the age of
21.
The regular registration fee is $25, however those athletes who send in their entries prior
to September 1, will have a $5 discount. Included with the registration fee is an event t-shirt,
lunch, and a goody bag loaded with lots of wonderful donated gifts. Financial assistance will be
available for those who cannot afford the registration fee, as all athletes are encouraged
participate in the event, despite their ability to pay.
Admission is free for spectators and the general public, as the Wheelchair Games will be
featuring games, live entertainment, and raffles. The Wheelchair Games will begin at 9 a.m. as
participants are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled event.
The annual Wheelchair Games is produced entirely by volunteers, which includes Burke
employees as well as people from the community. These volunteers come from civic groups,
school, religious organizations and other associations. If you would like to volunteer at this
event, a volunteer registration form would have to be completed and returned by Friday,
September 5, 2014 to Michael Regnetti, via fax at (914) 798-4183. All volunteers for this event
will receive a free t-shirt and lunch. Child volunteers must be at least 12 years of age or over.
Please call the Wheelchair Games Hotline at (914) 597-2850 if you have any questions
about the Games. If you have questions about classification and/or athletic events, please contact
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785 MAMARONECK AVENUE, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10605 914-597-2500 WWW.BURKE.ORG

3. Rehabilitation Hospital Medical Research Institute
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Ralph Armento, meet director, at ralph461@msn.com or (732) 422-9094. For those who would
like to sponsor an athlete or donate to the games, please call (914) 597-2849.
Burke Rehabilitation hospital is a private, not-for-profit, acute rehabilitation hospital.
Founded in 1915, it is the only hospital in Westchester County dedicated solely to rehabilitation
medicine. Burke offers both inpatient and outpatient programs for those who have experienced a
disabling illness, traumatic injury or joint replacement surgery. Burke is both an acute
rehabilitation hospital and medical research center. Burke’s world renowned doctors and
therapists provide state-of-the-art treatment, while its research scientists explore the frontiers of
neurological medicine. All share the Burke mission to ensure that every patient makes the fullest
possible recovery from illness or injury regardless of their ability to pay.
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785 MAMARONECK AVENUE, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10605 914-597-2500 WWW.BURKE.ORG