Posted on: Sunday, August 22nd, 2021
Dante Scarnecchia is our 2021 Legends Honoree
Our YMCA announced that Dante Scarnecchia, former assistant head coach for the New England Patriots, will be the recipient of the 2021 Legends Award at the 16th annual Legends Ball on November 30th. The announcement was made at our Legends Golf Classic on October 18th hosted by TPC Boston. Coach Scarnecchia was on hand to acknowledge the honor that will recognize his commitment and passion to our YMCA’s Integration Initiative.
Ed Hurley, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA, said, “I’ve had the privilege and honor to get to know this individual over the years.” Ed continued, “You talk about people who are class acts, who give back and who believe in being part of their community. This person truly exemplifies these qualities.”
“Every time I’ve ever asked Dante Scarnnechia to help in any way at our YMCA, the answer has always been ‘yes,’” says Hurley. “We can’t have a better ambassador for the Integration Initiative, for our Hockomock Area YMCA than Coach Dante Scarnecchia. It’s my pleasure and honor to announce that our 2021 Legends Ball Honoree will be Dante Scarnecchia.” YMCA supporters, friends, sports legends, Integration Initiative participants and their families, volunteers and staff congratulated Scarenecchia upon the announcement.
On receiving this recognition Scarnecchia remarked, “What a great day it is for the Legends Golf Classic and what a great privilege it is to be here today. Let’s have a great day.” Scarnecchia, a five time Super Bowl Champion, is a legendary coach for the New England Patriots for 34 years.
Past honorees have included Kyle Van Noy, Brian Flores, Matthew Slater, Rob Ninkovich, Devin McCourty, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Peter Brock, Rick and Dick Hoyt, Matt Light and Joe Andruzzi. Coach Scarnecchia was surrounded by participants of the Y’s Integration Initiative on the putting green before the 12th annual Legends Golf Classic began. There were also sports legends on hand to congratulate Coach including his former players Patriots Guard & 3-time Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi and Patriots Center and 2-time Super Bowl Champion Russ Hochstein.
The 16th annual Legends Ball will take place on November 30th. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children, young adults and adults 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 1,300 children and families by connecting children with special needs and their families to the community at large by removing barriers to inclusion.
Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in sponsoring the Legends Ball may contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.
