Nearly 85 athletes from throughout the tri-state area came together for Burke Rehabilitation Hospital’s 38th Annual Wheelchair Games on September 23rd. The Wheelchair Games have become a tradition for almost four decades, providing a forum for athletes to compete and have fun in an inclusive environment. This years’ games included field and track events, a slalom obstacle course, table tennis and a basketball exhibition.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Wheelchair Games trophy recipients:
Outstanding Novice Male – Donohue Fields
Outstanding Novice Female – Lisa Rivera
Outstanding Junior Male – Kiko Mina
Outstanding Junior Female – Helen Newman
Outstanding Adult Male – Tyrell Eddy
Outstanding Adult Female – Caitlin Goerlich
Outstanding Master Male – Adihambo Mitcell
Outstanding Master Female – Verrita Paige
Outstanding Grand Master Male – Roger Mutter
Outstanding Grand Master Female – Gloria Murray
Outstanding Male Slalom – Malkee Singh
Outstanding Female Slalom – Katy Brenan
Outstanding Male Table Tennis - Jessie Phillips
Outstanding Female Table Tennis – Caitlin Georlich
Outstanding Male in Field – Debrandson (DJ) Davidson
Outstanding Female in Field – Helen Newman
25 Year Achievement Award – Roger Mutter
The 2016 Maureen Ryan-Carr Award, given in memory of the late Burke senior administrator Maureen Ryan-Carr and presented to the athlete who best represented the Games’ spirit, was bestowed upon Nakia Carter. The John Lombardi Sportsmanship Award, given in memory of the late wheelchair athlete John Lombardi and presented to the athlete who showed the most determination, was awarded to Gerald Herring.
We were so excited to see so many familiar athletes competing, volunteers and supporters who made the event such a success. We also would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity: Apple Bank, Audiology Associates of Westchester, The Bristal Assisted Living, ISE Office Plus, Keating Electric, Montefiore, NYCONN Security Systems, PepsiCo EnAble, Phoenix Contracting Corporation, Premiere Flooring Systems, R. Argento & Sons, The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Sodexo and Vitolite Electric Sales.
We look forward to seeing you next year at the 39th Annual Wheelchair Games!
Here are a few photos from the event—click here to see more on our blog!