White Plains Rugby, Westchester’s USA Rugby Division I team, opens its league season this Saturday evening, September 13, at Loucks Stadium, White Plains High School, with a match against Mystic River, a 31very strong team from Boston. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.
It should be a special evening as White Plains Rugby is using the event as a fundraiser for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) and for Pat Quinn, a victim of this horrific disease and a former Iona University rugby player. ALS TDI is a non‐profit biotechnology company seeking effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It operates the world's largest research and development program focused on ALS.
In addition to the rugby game, activities will include speeches by invited guests and an Ice Bucket Challenge between White Plains, the Mystic River Team, and perhaps others. Invited guests include Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a strong supporter of ALS research, Pat Quinn, City of White Plains and County of Westchester officials, and representatives of ALS TDI.
White Plains Rugby’s match and support of ALS TDI is being done in conjunction with fundraising efforts by eight Cross Fit Gyms, located from Westchester County to Buffalo, NY. Each Cross Fit Gym will be holding a fundraiser that day at its facilities. This coordinated effort was organized by a White Plains Rugby player, Joseph Judge.
White Plains Rugby was formed in 1972, and for over 40 years has represented the City of White Plains and County of Westchester in matches as near as New York City, and as far away as Zimbabwe Africa. It competes in the First Division if the Empire Geographic Union and also fields a team in the Third Division. The match against Mystic River, a Club that recently merged with another Boston area team, should be very physical and exciting. A traditional after‐match party for both teams will be hosted by White Plains at one of its sponsors, Ron Blacks Saloon on Mamaroneck Ave.
All are invited for the evening and admission is FREE. Donations supporting the Club’s fundraising efforts for ALS research and Pat Quinn are greatly appreciated.