Patriots Players Visit Rehabbing Marathon Victims, Raise Money for Children through Dodgeball Tourney

Players of the New England Patriots continue to reach out and offer support to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

The latest act of kindness from the team came on Tuesday, when recently signed running back Leon Washington visited patients and victims from the Marathon tragedy at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston.

“It means a lot for me to come here and it definitely gives me a whole different perspective on life,” Washington said during a segment of Patriots Today with Brian Lowe. … “As a team we play together and really, our heart goes out to [the patients recovering from injuries suffered in the Marathon bombings].”

Washington spoke with both victims of the Marathon tragedy and other patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, signed autographs and offered encouragement to those on the road to recovery.

To watch Lowe’s segment on Patriots Today, click here.

Ridley Recruits Teammates for Charity Dodgeball Tournament in Fall River

New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley found a fun way to give back and provide relief for the young children affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy – dodgeball.

^th to raise funds for several local-non-profits, including The Children of the Boston Marathon Tragedy fund.

Ridley recruited four of his Patriots’ teammates to compete in the April 27^th tournament at Durfee High School in Fall River.

Pats linebacker Jerrod Mayo, quarterback Ryan Mallet, defensive back Alfonzo Dennard and running back Brandon Bolden joined Ridley on the dodgeball court to give back and lift the spirits of the local communities in the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

“I feel that it’s our job to give back to our community and go back and help and lend a helping hand to these people,” Ridley told Brian Lowe of Patriots Today. “This is something that is very tragic. It’s not just the Boston Marathon it’s anybody that’s down and I feel obligated to be that person for them to bring a smile to their face.”

Proceeds benefitted Boston Marathon victims and the following non-profits:

• The Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River
• Fall River Public Schools Intramural Middle School Sports Program
• The Boys & Girls Club
• The YMCA

Dodgeballin’ For Kids was founded out of UMass Dartmouth and according to its Facebook page, is dedicated to “making this world a better place, this country a better place, this state a better place, this community a better place.”

“Not only is this a great cause but it's such a fun day to be a part of,” the management team said via Facebook.

To watch Ridley and the Patriots participate in the dodgeball tournament, see Lowe’s segment on Patriots Today by clicking here.