Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Rolling Twins are 2024 International Wheelchair Softball World Series Champions

The team hopes the win inspires more people to check out the sport ,

MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 27, 2024) — The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Rolling Twins just won the International Wheelchair Softball World Series. Now, the world champs say their next challenge has already started—recruiting more players, educating people about the sport and fundraising to ensure this sport is accessible to anyone who wants to play.

“It's great to be champions, but it's even better to spread the word and to make the sport more available to those that have never seen it or touched it,” said first baseman Manny Guerra, 57, of Plymouth, Minn. “The real work begins after winning the championship. We are recruiting, performing clinics and getting sponsors to support the program.”

The Rolling Twins clinched the championship on August 17th when they beat Nebraska with a score of 11 to 3 in the 2024 International Wheelchair Softball World Series. They were among over 20 teams of 300 athletes who traveled to Omaha, Neb. for the three-day event.

“This team showed remarkable grit, determination, and trust for each other throughout the whole tournament,” shared outfielder Brendan Downes, 36, of Lakeville, Minn. “Knocking off the one-seed twice in the tournament is a testament to the work the players and staff put in all summer. I am thankful to be part of such a close-knit team that really operates as a family.”

The Rolling Twins support Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s mission to make sure everyone has access to the benefits of sports and recreation, no matter their ability. The organization offers an ever-growing list of adaptive sports and recreational opportunities throughout Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, including adaptive pickleball, wheelchair basketball and adaptive skiing. The Rolling Twins Wheelchair Softball Team’s World Series win continues the organization's legacy of supporting exceptional athletes.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the Courage Kenny Rolling Twins Wheelchair Softball team come together and win a 2024 International Championship. We are honored to have these dedicated and hard-working players and volunteer coaches represent the Courage Kenny program at the highest level of competitive wheelchair sports,” said Michael Kane, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Adaptive Sports and Recreation manager.

The Rolling Twins practice once a week at Todd Anderson field in Brooklyn Park, MN.

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About Allina Health

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X and Instagram.