Hon. John Ajaka announced as new Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Patron
Wheelchair Rugby League Australia (WRLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Hon. John Ajaka MLC as its new patron.
Current President of the NSW Parliament Legislative Council, Mr Ajaka is known for being a longtime advocate for the disability sector, having fulfilled the role of NSW Minister for Disability Services between 2014 and 2017.
WRLA Director Joseph Chidiac believes that Mr Ajaka will bring a unique understanding to the role of Patron, commenting, “John has been an active supporter of organisations that provide equity and opportunity to all members of our society. Wheelchair Rugby League is a truly unique sport, offering people with disability and abled-bodied people the chance to play together and to build strength and resilience, encouraging many physical and mental health benefits.”
Mr Ajaka’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the sport as WRLA rolls out plans to grow participation by establishing new competitions across Australia.
“I am thrilled to have been invited to join WRLA as a Patron. The benefits of participating in sport and physical activity are well documented. Wheelchair Rugby League offers people with disability the chance to play socially or to build their skill and follow development pathways that lead to State and Australian representative level”, Mr Ajaka said.
Established in Australia in 2010, Wheelchair Rugby League currently runs competitions in Southern Sydney, Western Sydney, Northern Beaches and Queensland, with plans to establish competitions in South Australia, Victoria, ACT and the NSW Hunter Region.