26 players from our St. Helens LDRL team had the fantastic opportunity of playing at The Dacia Magic Weekend this year, we were the most represented club at the festival with the most players attending the event. We would like to thank all of our players for sharing this special moment with us.
The teams took part in the launch of The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League that took place at Stanley Park on the 25th and 26th May 2019. Players from St. Helens LDRL also had the amazing opportunity of playing on the pitch at Anfield during Half Time of the St. Helens vs Castleford First Team fixture.
Saints Community Development Foundation are delighted to be a part of this pioneering inclusive sports programme for people with learning disabilities and autism. Gaining significant national attention since its announcement in February, and engaging hundreds of people in the sport, this world-first programme is a growing success.
Supporters that attended the Dacia Magic Weekend had the opportunity to watch the inspiring action first-hand on both days of the event. With a special festival taking place on Stanley Park during the second game of each day, and the teams playing on the famous Anfield turf during the halftime break of the final games, the LDRL players were at the heart of the action.
Learning Disability Super League gives people with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to play an adapted version of Rugby League, The programme aims to promote the development of skills, confidence and positive experiences, and make a major statement about social inclusion. This world-first initiative is the first ever example of a professional sports league sharing its brand with a learning disability sports programme.
The inclusive competition has been supported by 12 founder clubs, who have established or will be developing Learning Disability Rugby League teams: St Helens, Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Newcastle Thunder, Salford Red Devils, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings, Wigan Warriors and York City Knights.
The Dacia Magic Weekend provided one of the biggest ever crowds for a learning disability sport event. Further fixtures are set to be announced this year! Stay tuned to our social media outlets for more information.
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Insta – @communitysaints
facebook – Saints Community Development Foundation
