The Disability Six Nations Rugby Festival was back last week at the Centre for Sporting Excellence after a two year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over 300 young people from 25 schools took part giving them the opportunity to experience the thrills of rugby, develop new skills and make new friends. The popularity of the event has grown over the years with only six schools taking part at the start.
Sport Caerphilly and Trinity Fields School hosted the event with Dragons RFC joining in and offering their long-standing support making the day a huge success. This is the 16th year the Dragons rugby players have attended the event acting as an inspiration to those who have the opportunity to take part. The players actively encourage the young people to try new things such as hitting tackle bags and rolling on the ground. These sensory experiences have been a great benefit for young people with disabilities.
The popularity and success of the event is a testament to the work of Paul Taylor, Disability and Inclusion Sports Development Officer for Caerphilly county Borough. He said,
“I think we can all agree that the event is one of our favourite days of the year. I never thought it would be this successful when Jamies Scales from Trinity Fields and I had the conversation back in 2005 to create the Six Nations with children with additional needs. The event has gone from strength to strength, with more schools and children attending every year. I have enjoyed watching them develop in confidence over the years – It has been fantastic”.
Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Chris Morgan commented, “I was delighted to attend this event, the smiles on the children’s faces said it all. I’d like to thank the organisers for organising such a great inclusive event and the schools from all over Wales for travelling to the Caerphilly County borough. We look forward to welcoming you next year!”.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to the support of staff and volunteers who allow this event to take place. The WRU Staff Apprentices, Dragons Community staff students from Ystrad Mynach College and Sport Caerphilly. The event would also not be possible without our sponsors by local businesses and charities: AGM Embroidery and the Phylyp Butler Memorial Charity.”
