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Wheelchair Rugby League ‘Festival of Football’ to showcase talent and tenacity this Sunday

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia will be holding the inaugural 2018 Festival of Football on Sunday 25th November at Auburn PCYC. The event, which is being supported by International Day of People with Disability (IDpWD), will showcase the amazing talent of our male and female athletes of all ages.

Entry on the day is free and the event will showcase our exciting sport, feature several rounds of Wheelchair Rugby League games and culminate in the finals and medal presentation. It will be attended by our athletes, sports fans and representatives from business and government.

New Wheelchair Rugby League Ambassadors, James Tamou and Brett Kimmorley will also be on hand to support the players, participate in activities and raise awareness of this inclusive sport.

IDpWD Patron, Gerrard Gosens OAM will attend the event and take part in the medals presentation.

Members of the public are invited to register to attend via this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2018-festival-of-wheelchair-rugby-league-tickets51201381711

The Festival of Football will be held between 11.30 am and 5.30 pm. A schools event will also be held Monday 26th November at the same venue.

Media Contact: Joanne Ryan
0421 059 866

 

About Wheelchair Rugby League

Players of any age and ability can participate in this wheelchair-based version of rugby league. It is an enthralling game of speed and skill.

How is Wheelchair Rugby League played?

This fast-paced game is played on an indoor court, about half the size of rugby league field. It follows a five-on-five format, using a rugby league football. A kick is achieved by a clenched fist and a tackle is achieved by removing a Velcro tag from the sleeve of an attacking player.

Wheelchair Rugby League is an inclusive sport – a variation of the running game allowing athletes with disabilities to compete with and against able-bodied people. The emphasis is on the participation, health and well-being of individuals, personal performance, social interaction and self-esteem.

Wheelchair Rugby League aspires to provide an inclusive recreational activity and to promote fun, fitness and self-development while fostering good sportsmanship in a safe and positive environment.

New South Wales Wheelchair Rugby League currently runs seasonal competitions in Sydney and Western Sydney with plans to grow the sport across Australia.

See more here.

About International Day of People with Disability

IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability.

The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability. This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

In Australia, the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020 commits all governments to a nationwide approach aimed at improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. The Strategy’s ten-year national framework for reform focuses on better inclusion for people with
disability and seeks to create a society that enables people with disability to fulfil the ir potential as equal citizens. Today, countries all around the world celebrate the day.

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