UNIONDALE, NY – The Long Island Rough Riders are proud to announce a new partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, aimed at promoting brain health and supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter will serve as the club’s official charitable partner for the Rough Riders’ June 29th home game at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex.
Based in Melville, the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter serves Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The chapter helps all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias by providing support groups and educational resources while advancing crucial research and public policy initiatives. Currently, 426,500 New Yorkers live with Alzheimer’s, and more than 656,000 care for them.
“The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter is excited to partner with the Long Island Rough Riders to close out Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month,” said Tinamarie Hardekopf, Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter. “The Rough Riders have been a community institution for over 30 years, and their reach into the community is vast. This new partnership will enable us to reach even more Long Island families affected by dementia and provide care and support resources.”
The Rough Riders, with a longstanding history of service and leadership in the soccer community, are committed to nurturing partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for community engagement. The club connects with thousands of families across Long Island.
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote brain health as well as to raise awareness and offer education to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Tanner Sands, General Manager of the Long Island Rough Riders. “This partnership not only aligns with our overall mission, but specifically our focus on advocating and improving the quality of life for our families and the communities we serve.”
Key Initiatives of the Partnership:
- Education and Engagement: The Alzheimer’s Association will have a platform for education and engagement at the June 29th home game.
- Community Participation: The Rough Riders will participate in the Nassau Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Eisenhower Park Field 6/6A on October 4, 2025, raising funds for our Walk Team to support the Nassau Walk. For those interested in the walk, you can learn more at act.alz.org/nassau.
- Awareness Campaigns: The club will share the latest Alzheimer’s and dementia research and data with the community and highlight the impact of these diseases across owned channels.
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: The Rough Riders will help raise awareness throughout June, recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. On Long Island, there will be 5 walks held in locations including Fire Island, Greenport, East Meadow, Yaphank and North Babylon. For those interested, visit alz.org/liwalk.
About the Long Island Rough Riders
The Long Island Rough Riders are a soccer team based in Uniondale, New York, competing in USL League Two. Founded in 1994, the Rough Riders offer a comprehensive development pathway from beginners to professional players and are recognized for their championship success and contributions to the professional soccer community.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Learn more about the local Long Island Chapter at alz.org/longisland or call 800.272.3900.