One of the biggest dates in the rugby league calendar will bring the launch of a ground-breaking inclusive sports programme for people with learning disabilities and autism.
The Betfred Super League’s Dacia Magic Weekend, which takes place at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium on 25th and 26th May 2019, will herald the introduction of the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.
The new competition is said to be part of a wider strategic partnership between Community Integrated Care, the Super League and the Rugby Football League, which aims to develop and enhance the community programmes provided by the sport to people with care and support needs.
As the Official Social Care Partner of the sport, the charity will be leading the development of a range of programmes that will use Rugby League to transform the lives of people who require care and support.
Learning Disability Rugby League is a specially adapted non-competitive game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills development. To support the success of the programme, Community Integrated Care is providing specialist training to all participating clubs, as well as direct investment into the sport.
The competition itself will give people with learning disabilities the opportunity to play an adapted version of the game in a series of high-profile festivals and events. The wider programme aims to promote the development of skills, confidence and positive experiences for people with learning disabilities, and make a major statement about social inclusion. This initiative is said to be the first ever example of a professional sports league sharing its brand with a learning disability sports programme.
Mark Adams, CEO of Community Integrated Care, said: “We believe this collaboration will become one of the most significant inclusive sports programmes in the world. This initiative gives people with learning disabilities an unparalleled platform to stay active, make friends, develop skills and achieve their dreams.
“As the Official Social Care partner of the sport, we are looking forward to working with the sport to changing the lives of thousands of people with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, autism and dementia.
“We would like to commend the Super League, RFL, all participating clubs, and the players and legends who have signed up as Ambassadors, for their vision and passion for this programme.”
Robert Elstone, CEO of Super League, said: “The passion and commitment shown to date to get this project underway bodes well for a partnership that will reward all participants in so many ways. Not only will this deliver amazing opportunities for all the players, and experiences that will live in the memory for lifetimes, it will also endorse everything that Super League stands for.”
Ralph Rimmer, the Chief Executive of the RFL, said: “As a governing body we are extremely proud of our work in developing both Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League over the past 12 months. To have a partner of the calibre of Community Integrated Care come on board is really exciting and they will add real value as we look to develop this format.”
