Portadown RFC have introduced a new non-contact Tag rugby section called Portadown Panthers, which will cater for people aged 6+ with Learning Disabilities.
The Panthers launch event was held on Sunday (22nd September), with 13 players from Newforge Taggers, Belfast, joining 10 participants from Portadown.
The morning was one to remember and was made all the more special with an appearance from Ulster Rugby and Ireland player Andrew Trimble, who joined in with the fun games, as well as ...
Portadown RFC have introduced a new non-contact Tag rugby section called Portadown Panthers, which will cater for people aged 6+ with Learning Disabilities. The Panthers launch event was held on Sunday (22nd September), with 13 players from Newforge Taggers, Belfast, joining 10 participants from Portadown. The morning was one to remember and was made all the more special with an appearance from Ulster Rugby and Ireland player Andrew Trimble, who joined in with the fun games, as well as signing autographs and posing for photos. Club stalwart, Willie Gribben, was so impressed when watching Tag Rugby groups for players with Learning Disabilities playing during the half time intervals at Ulster matches, that he decided to explore the possibility of setting up of a group in Portadown. Speaking at the launch event, Willie commented: "Seeing the teams play at Ravenhill inspired me to start a team in Portadown and we want to spread the word that rugby can be played by everyone. It is about offering opportunities to people not normally involved in mainstream sport and allowing them to have fun and meet new people in a safe environment." Ulster Rugby's Disability & Inclusion Officer, Tim Craig, who has played a central role in the formation of the Panthers, said: "I'm delighted to see the introduction of the Portadown Panthers, who are now the sixth special needs team to be established in Ulster. Willie and the other volunteers at Portadown Rugby Club are to be commended for the great work they've put in to get it to this stage. "The Community Rugby Coaches at Ulster Rugby will now work with local special needs schools with the aim of getting them involved in tag rugby at the club. Hopefully we can build on this extremely successful launch day." Commenting after attending the official launch on Sunday, the Deputy Mayor of Craigavon, Colin McCusker said: "Having just started taking my youngest son Sam to mini rugby, I have been overwhelmed by the commitment of the coaches at Portadown Rugby Club. This new initiative comes as no surprise to me, as it is very obvious the club is keen to introduce as many people as possible to the sport. "The launch day was a fantastic event and the kids were inspirational. I am delighted to be associated with this new venture and I wish Willie Gribben and everyone involved, every success." Portadown Panthers Tag Rugby sessions will run every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am. New players are welcome to attend. This process has been facilitated by the generous support of the NI Executive and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure through the 'Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport' programme.
Portadown RFC have introduced a new non-contact Tag rugby section called Portadown Panthers, which will cater for people aged 6+ with Learning Disabilities. The Panthers launch event was held on Sunday (22nd September), with 13 players from Newforge Taggers, Belfast, joining 10 participants from Portadown. The morning was one to remember and was made all the more special with an appearance from Ulster Rugby and Ireland player Andrew Trimble, who joined in with the fun games, as well as signing autographs and posing for photos. Club stalwart, Willie Gribben, was so impressed when watching Tag Rugby groups for players with Learning Disabilities playing during the half time intervals at Ulster matches, that he decided to explore the possibility of setting up of a group in Portadown. Speaking at the launch event, Willie commented: "Seeing the teams play at Ravenhill inspired me to start a team in Portadown and we want to spread the word that rugby can be played by everyone. It is about offering opportunities to people not normally involved in mainstream sport and allowing them to have fun and meet new people in a safe environment." Ulster Rugby's Disability & Inclusion Officer, Tim Craig, who has played a central role in the formation of the Panthers, said: "I'm delighted to see the introduction of the Portadown Panthers, who are now the sixth special needs team to be established in Ulster. Willie and the other volunteers at Portadown Rugby Club are to be commended for the great work they've put in to get it to this stage. "The Community Rugby Coaches at Ulster Rugby will now work with local special needs schools with the aim of getting them involved in tag rugby at the club. Hopefully we can build on this extremely successful launch day." Commenting after attending the official launch on Sunday, the Deputy Mayor of Craigavon, Colin McCusker said: "Having just started taking my youngest son Sam to mini rugby, I have been overwhelmed by the commitment of the coaches at Portadown Rugby Club. This new initiative comes as no surprise to me, as it is very obvious the club is keen to introduce as many people as possible to the sport. "The launch day was a fantastic event and the kids were inspirational. I am delighted to be associated with this new venture and I wish Willie Gribben and everyone involved, every success." Portadown Panthers Tag Rugby sessions will run every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am. New players are welcome to attend. This process has been facilitated by the generous support of the NI Executive and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure through the 'Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport' programme.