It was a very successful event and without doubt the warm weather conditions helped to create the perfect day for the festival. The players seized the opportunity and provided a display of open, flowing, running rugby.
The teams were placed in their respective age groups with seven teams in the Under 15 section and eight in the Over 15 section. All of the games were competitive and enjoyed by everybody involved. Ulster and Ireland rugby players Luke Marshall and Andrew Trimble were on hand to offer support and advice to the players and coaches. At the end of the day Andrew and Luke presented four Fair Play Awards to the teams who demonstrated sportsmanship and endeavour when participating. The recipients were Enniskillen Elks and Portadown Panthers in the Under 15 section and the Seaside Sharkies and the Coleraine Chargers in the Over 15 section.
The day would not have been the success that it was without the support of Kerry Spence (Ulster Rugby Volunteer & Policy Development Officer), the Ulster Rugby volunteer team, Claire McAteer and the referee’s from the IRFU (Ulster Branch) Referees Society. These volunteers freely gave of their time to plan and deliver the event.
Commneting at the event, Peter Wood from Wooden Spoon said: “Wooden Spoon is delighted to be a part of this event. It is a pleasure to witness the passion, skills, sportsmanship and smiles that are on the faces of the players and coaches. This is rugby at its best. I congratulate everybody who has been involved in the organisation of the festival and I wish all of teams every best wish for next season”.
Ulster Rugby’s Disability and Inclusion Officer Tim Craig thanked Wooden Spoon for their continued support and extended his best wishes to those clubs and schools that are travelling to this year’s Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival for people with learning disabilities that is being hosted in Telford, England, on Saturday 6th June.
Tag Rugby is a non-contact sport that is an enjoyable, fun and active way, to keep healthy and fit. It can be played by men, women and children of all ages and abilities.
For further information please contact Ulster Rugby’s Disability & Inclusion Officer, Tim Craig: 07442490460 / tim.craig@ulsterrugby.com.