The sixteenth annual Jo Jo Moore Rugby Tournament will take place June 21, 2008 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 fifteen years ago while playing rugby. The all-day event honors Jo Jo, 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, was 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, earned a second Masters Degree, continued to coach wrestling and is now a volunteer health teacher at a small private school.

Tournament format is round robin competition with the first kickoff planned for 9:00 AM. Rugby matches continue throughout the day with final games scheduled for 4:00 PM followed by a party with live music and dancing. Eighteen teams are expected in Divisions Old Boys (over age 35), Club Sides, Under 19’s, and Women’s Division. Teams from New York / Connecticut / New Jersey / Rhode Island as far away as Albany and Boston are expected.

A “Walk-a-Mile-for Jo Jo” fund raiser will take place at noon the day of the Tournament, all within the New York Military Academy grounds. Public admission is FREE. Sponsorship and donations are greatly appreciated. Proceeds go to helping Jo Jo Moore and his family. For more information, please contact the undersigned.

Ed Burrell - Publicity Director, 914-428-7928, ed.burrell@wprfc.org?
Directions: New York Military Academy (NYMA)