On Monday 22^nd June, the London Wheelchair Rugby Club (LWRC) will wheel 500 laps of the Sports Hall at the Aspire Leisure Centre between 12pm and 4pm to celebrate their 25^th anniversary and to raise funds for Aspire. 

LWRC have been running wheelchair rugby clubs across London and the Home Counties for 25 years, and plan to mark the anniversary by hosting this special fundraising challenge.

LWRC are inviting any potential players with a physical impairment aged 16 or over to come and join in the sponsor push.  LWRC will also be running a session where any physically disabled person (over 16) can try out the sport and find out about getting involved.  Both activities are open to beginners or pro-players, male or female and rugby wheelchairs and coaching will be provided. 

Wheelchair Rugby was the most anticipated sport at the London 2012 Paralympics and returns to the capital this October when world teams gather for the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2015.  The sport is an exciting fusion of ice hockey, handball & rugby, and was originally founded in Canada in 1977.  It is based on speed chair contact, and is also a tactically intelligent game to be involved in. Eight rolling substitutes make up squads of 12, with four players on court per team at any time, with the aim of driving the ball across the opponents' goal line.  Contact between wheelchairs is permitted, as players use their chairs to block and hold opponents.  The emphasis of the sport is on fun, excitement and inclusion, particularly for players with higher levels of impairment.

Paul Arnold, GBWR Regional Development Officer comments: “Aspire have supported the London Wheelchair Rugby club for many years so it seemed a good idea to celebrate the club’s 25^th year and at the same time raise some money, by this sponsored push, for Aspire.  The club are also really interested in attracting new players to the club, so alongside the 500 lap push they will be giving new player the opportunity to try wheelchair rugby.  This will be a brilliant event and all are welcome.”

To try Wheelchair Rugby please register at [email protected]

To Donate please go to www.justgiving.com/Aspire500

To find out more about the LWRC: www.londonwrc.com

Or check out the GBWR website at: www.GBWR.org.uk