Hockomock Area YMCA Announces New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich as 2016 Legends Ball Honoree

The Hockomock Area YMCA is honoring Rob Ninkovich, defensive end and Super Bowl Champion for the New England Patriots, as the recipient of 2016 Legends Ball Award at the 11th annual Legends Ball. The announcement was made at the YMCA’s Invensys Foxboro Branch Kraft Family Center in the Marilyn Rodman Youth and Teen Leadership Center. Ninkovich is being recognized for his commitment and passion to the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative. Teammate Devin McCourty, and the Y’s 2015 Legends Ball Honoree, made the special announcement noting, “Rob is a leader on our team and he does tremendous work in the community, off the field, while also being a father and a husband at home.”

Rob Ninkovich with Integration Initiative participant Matt O'Neill

Addressing the young people at the announcement, Ninkovich reminisced, “From the time I arrived in New England in 2009, I’ve been a part of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Legends Ball every year. It doesn’t seem real because I don’t consider myself to be a legend.”

Praising the YMCA, Ninkovich noted, “What the Y stands for in the community and what they’ve been able to do are remarkable. I remember being 10 years old and playing basketball at my local YMCA. Having the Y as a place to go, it meant a lot to me.” Rob Ninkovich and his family are members of the Hockomock Area YMCA and continued, “I’m a strong supporter of the Hockomock Area YMCA and what they are able to do for all kids. I’m honored to accept this award and looking forward to Legends Ball this year.”

“We are proud to honor Rob Ninkovich as our 2016 Legends Ball Award Recipient. Rob is a great friend and partner of our Y and his involvement has had a tremendous impact on local children and families,” said Ed Hurley, Hockomock Area YMCA President & CEO. “Rob always takes time out to support our programs and the kids are always so excited to see him. Rob is a true champion on and off the field.”

At this announcement, Ninkovich was surrounded by members of the Integration Initiative’s Flag Football Team as well as the VIP Club (Volunteerism through Inclusive Partnerships).

The Legends Ball will take place on November 15, 2016 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA. Past honorees have been Devin McCourty, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Peter Brock, Rick and Dick Hoyt, Matt Light, Joe Andruzzi, Steve Grogan and Andre Tippet.

YMCA group photo with Rob Ninkovich and Devin McCourty

Proceeds from the Legends Ball benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in YMCA programs and activities alongside their typically-developing peers. The program improves social skills, builds self-esteem, increases physical activity and independence, and enhances mutual respect among people of all abilities. Since its inception, the Integration Initiative has served more than 1,000 children and their families by connecting children with special needs and their families to the community at large by creating a culture of inclusion at our YMCA.

Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in event sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.hockymca.org/an-amazing-night-to-celebrate-legends-ball-november-15/

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.