RYAN CHALMERS succeeds Jo Ann Keyser-Armstrong as Director of the Rochester Rookies

On June 12, 2017, the disability community in Rochester, NY, honored Jo Ann Keyser-Armstrong, a decorated Paralympic athlete, and Director of the Rochester Rookies, an adaptive sports program for teens with disabilities. Following Jo Ann’s 41-year tenure as Director of the Rookies, Ryan Chalmers, a fellow Paralympic athlete (London 2012) and, himself, a compelling advocate for persons with disabilities and adaptive sports, will assume the role of Director, and continue the organization’s good work.

As Ryan stated at the celebration, “No one could ever measure the impact Jo Ann has had on our community … Jo Ann made us believe we could do anything, and she gave us a life we never would have known without her.”

Team USA/Stay-Focused Alumni

After 11 days of intense completion, the Paralympic Games have concluded. Overall, Team USA collected 115 medals, the most successful performance in recent history. Below are highlights of the incredible performances from Stay-Focused alumni.

• The United States women’s wheelchair basketball team, led by Gail Gaeng, Rose Hollermann, and Jenn Poist defeated former Paralympic Champion, Germany, 62-45 to win the Gold medal.
• On the track, Tatyana McFadden, Amanda McGrory, and Chelsea McClammer, “Mcswept” the podium in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter finals. McFadden and McGrory also took home a silver and bronze medal, respectively, in the Marathon.
• In a sprint finish with the top 8 women, Susannah Scaroni had a strong showing in the marathon, finishing the race at 1:38:47.
• Hannah McFadden made her presence known by nabbing a 4th place finish in a very fast 100-meter race.
• In one of the closest races throughout the competition, Brian Siemann took 4th place by .02 in the 800-meter final.
• In an exciting sprint finish of 11-men fighting for bronze in the Marathon, Aaron Pike finished with a time of 1:30:13.

We are so incredibly proud of our alumni for their performances throughout the Rio Paralympic Games. Their efforts are a testament to the work and time they have dedicated to performing at the highest level possible. Go Team USA!

Disabled divers get help from students

Cayman Compass, Wednesday, August 24, 2016.

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