Ulster Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors

SPECIAL NEEDS RUGBY UPDATE by TIM CRAIG , DISABILITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER

The Errigal Eagles and Portadown Panthers... One Year On

Good evening and welcome to Kingspan Stadium. I think it’s very appropriate as we support Mencap’s Big Step Forward Appeal today to have a look at how two of our special educational needs sections have progressed during their first season and tell you a little bit about the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival that took place at Kingspan Stadium in June. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the Errigal Eagles and the Portadown Panthers officially launched. Recently we spoke with representatives from the Eagles and the Panthers to see how their respective clubs have developed in the past year. Both the Eagles and the Panthers are now firmly established as part of the rugby community and this is largely due to funding from the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure’s (DCAL) ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport Programme’. This funding has enabled our community rugby coaches to deliver training sessions at special educational needs schools and groups. My role is then to sign-post those pupils/players who wish to play the game towards their local rugby clubs. A similar approach in Coleraine and Ballyclare has led to the formation of the Coleraine Chargers and the Clare Hares. Other initiatives that have helped with the development of the game have been the delivery of two successful summer camps at Newforge and Coleraine RFC and the involvement of the eight disability rugby sections across Ulster in a series of monthly blitzes which has added structure to their season. It is also important to acknowledge the contribution that the IRFU Ulster Branch Special Needs Tag Rugby Group (STAG) have made to the development of the game in Ulster. Both the Eagles and the Panthers talked about their participation in the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival. It was without doubt a resounding success despite the weather (it rained all day!) however this did not dampen the spirits of the players. This was the 8th year of the festival and it was the biggest to date as for the first time all four home unions were represented with a total of 44 teams participating involving 437 players. Following the last match presentations were made to the most sporting team from each of the sections

(Stage 1 and Stage 2 - Under 15/Over 15). The Mayor of the City of Belfast Miss Nicola Mallon; IRFU (Ulster Branch) Vice President (now President) Mr John Kinnear; the President of Wooden Spoon Mr Willie John McBride and Mr Des Kavanagh from the IRFU made the presentations to: Ballymena Bears; Stockport All-stars; The Clan (Doon Academy) and Garryowen Lions and medals were awarded to every player who participated. Following the speeches the day closed with the provision of dinner and a disco in the ‘Clubhouse Bar’ at Kingspan Stadium. There were smiles, smiles and more smiles on the faces of the players, their parents/carers, coaches and spectators throughout the day, it was a truly memorable experience. Kay Weeks from Stockport All-stars summed the day up with an email entitled ‘Superb tournament’: “Thank you so much for giving us all such a fantastic weekend at Kingspan Stadium. The whole Stockport squad and their parents were bowled over by the experience. Everything was brilliantly organised… All we had to do was to sit back; relax and enjoy it. The youngsters and their parents will be treasuring the experience for many years. This is the rugby community at its finest.” The work that went on behind the scenes by the volunteers; the referee’s; caterers; Ulster Rugby staff; parents; coaches and so many others who supported the event made the day the success that it was. It is safe to say that everybody involved with the day enjoyed the experience. It was all about the players to see their passion and enjoyment of the sport and to witness the skills and sportsmanship on display. It was just great to be a part of it. However the day would not have taken place without the support of Wooden Spoon; Belfast City Council and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. On behalf of IRFU Ulster Branch; STAG and all of the players and coaches I would like to acknowledge and thank them for their support. I am confident that with the continued support of DCAL, opportunities for people with disabilities to play rugby will continue to grow. For further information contact the Disability and Inclusion Officer

COMMUNITY RUGBY UlsterBranch

Tim Craig 07442 490 460 or tim.craig@ulsterrugby.com

16

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com