Ulster Rugby star Ruan Pienaar and mascot Sparky teamed up to launch the 8th annual Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby Festival for people with learning disabilities, which will take place at Ravenhill this weekend.
Over 400 players from 26 schools and clubs around the UK and Ireland will be in attendance, making it the largest event of its type to be held in Ireland.
The festival will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 7th June and spectators will be entertained throughout the day with live music and dancing, face painters and circus acts. The RBS Six Nations Trophy, won by Ireland in March, will be at Ravenhill all day for fans to pose with for photos, adding to what will be a special occasion.
Excitement is building amongst the local schools and clubs who are participating in the event with all of their training sessions now firmly focused on their preparation for the festival. There are 13 teams from Ulster clubs and schools attending; Ballymena Bears, Cedar Lodge (Belfast), Clare Hares (Ballyclare), Coleraine Chargers, Errigle Eagles (Letterkenny), Glenveagh School (Belfast), Harberton Seahorses (Belfast), Killard Cougars (Donaghadee), Newforge Taggers (Belfast), Now Project (Belfast), Portadown Panthers, Seaside Sharkies (Donaghadee), Stevenson Sharks (Dungannon).
Ulster back row and Patron for the Newforge Taggers, Chris Henry, is certain that the Ravenhill experience will not disappoint those participating this weekend: “Playing at Ravenhill for any young person is incredible,” explains Henry. “I still remember whenever I was young I was lucky enough to play for Malone Minis out on the pitch and it was a very special occasion. It will be great for all the teams to come and see how far Ravenhill has come from where it used to be and I have no doubt it's going to be a really enjoyable day for everyone. It's great to hear how many people are coming and for Ulster to be involved in something like this is incredible. What better an event to show off Ravenhill; I hope that everyone has a fantastic tournament, good luck!”
The festival represents another significant investment from children’s charity Wooden Spoon, which has contributed over £600,000 to projects that have benefited disadvantaged or disabled children in Ulster. The Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL), Belfast City Council and a number of local businesses have also given their backing to the event.
Willie John McBride, legendary British & Irish Lions captain and Chairman of Wooden Spoon, commented: “Tag rugby is the type of thing we want to support because it's giving kids a lot of fun and the chance to meet others. It will be terrific for them to play at Ravenhill.”
Councillor Gareth McKee, Chairman of the Belfast City Council’s Parks and Leisure Committee, commented: “The Council is delighted to be backing this very worthy event, through our Support For Sport scheme. Sport has so many positive elements, and allowing young people to develop their skills in a spirit of friendly competition is an ethos which we fully endorse.”
Gary Donald, Chairman of Ballymena Bears, added; “We are all really looking forward to the event at Ravenhill which will provide a fantastic opportunity for all our players to take part in a truly international festival of tag rugby. It certainly has captured the imagination of our players and we hope it will inspire others to get involved.”
Admission to the ground for the festival is free of charge and Ulster Rugby is urging fans to go along to support the players and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
