Knighthawks Team Up To Teach Adaptive Athletes

The Rochester Knighthawks and SportsNet at Rochester Rehabilitation announced today that they are creating a partnership to introduce an adaptive lacrosse program to individuals of all abilities. On Thursday, August 25th, the Knighthawks will be on hand at CP Rochester in Henrietta to teach the basics of lacrosse, including passing, catching, cradling, and shooting.

“It’s very important because not all of us have the accessibility to play this great game,” said Knighthawks transition man Brad Gillies. “Being able to reach out to these communities and grow the game with them is a special opportunity.”

On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., Gillies, Joe Walters and the Knighthawks staff will hold a Lacrosse 101 session for 10 individuals and seven staff members at CP Rochester. The Knighthawks are also donating a dozen Under Armour® lacrosse sticks to SportsNet as part of their effort to encourage more participation in lacrosse.

“This is a great opportunity to grow the game of lacrosse through partnering with another local champion in our community in SportsNet,” said Knighthawks Director of Tickets Nate Snyder. “We were very excited to meet with (SportsNet Supervisor) Michael Cocquyt and through that meeting we saw the true passion he has for increasing accessibility to various sports for individuals in this area. Getting the chance to partner with individuals/organizations that share our same values is something that we feel very strongly about as a proud member of this community.”

By partnering with the Knighthawks, SportsNet can add lacrosse to its growing list of adaptive sports, which already includes: bowling, cycling, adapted PE/Play, summer recreation respite, swimming, 1:1 fitness, downhill skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, gymnastics, golf, outrigger canoeing, water exercising, sailing, wakeboarding, track and field, and weight lifting.

“SportsNet leadership and participants are excited to be partnering with the Knighthawks to begin an adapted lacrosse initiative in the Rochester area,” said Michael Cocquyt, SportsNet Supervisor. “Our goal is to work together to expand this exciting sport to people of all ages and all abilities.”

SportsNet is an adaptive sports and recreation program that celebrates the accomplishments of all athletes and abilities. Since 1998 more than 6,000 participants have had the opportunity to experience adaptive sports and recreation programs through SportsNet. SportsNet is supported by a collaboration of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, CP Rochester and Rochester Rehabilitation.