Pupils from local schools received coaching from some star names when they took part in Bath Rugby Foundation’s annual Inclusive Rugby Fun Day.
Twelve players including Dom Day, Carl Fearns, Mat Gilbert, Jonathan Joseph and Ross Batty joined in with the activities and helped the children master some core rugby skills while new signings Luke Arscott & Nick Auterac found themselves coaching and taking part in a very exciting tag rugby game.
The Inclusive Fun Day is an annual event run by Bath Rugby Foundation, specifically designed for children with disabilities from local special schools.
The children were joined by Maximus, the Bath Rugby Junior Membership Leader, who helped the children complete the twelve skill stations and posed for photos with both children and very excited staff.
Caryl Thomas, Bath Rugby Foundation Inclusion Manager said: “The Inclusion project works with children with special needs in a variety of settings from schools, youth clubs, lunch time clubs and community after school clubs.
“This event concludes the academic year and gives a great opportunity for the children to experience The Rec and showcase their progress. The children are very excited to be coached by professional players.
“The players are such role models to these kids and raise aspirations. It is also a great opportunity for our local partners, committed volunteers and Bath Rugby staff to interact with the children and get involved in the games.”
The Fun Day was funded by monies raised from the Superstars event which Bath Rugby Foundation ran in December 2013.
The event saw local businesses, including Thrings Solicitors, Nine Feet Tall and Moneywise raise money by going head to head on numerous challenges with Superstars including Olympian Jason Gardener, Paralympian Ben Rushgrove and former Bath Rugby players, Danny Grewcock, John Hall and David Flatman.
Staff from The Consortium, St John’s Hospital and Nine Feet Tall came down to the Rec to take part in the activities with the children and to see first-hand the positive impact their financial support has had on the local community.
Mike Vallis, Business Consultant at Bath based Nine Feet Tall said: “It is exciting to see our fundraising money being put to such good use and see the children reaping the benefits. This event is a great opportunity for the Nine Feet Tall team to get involved and continue to support the work of this fantastic charity.”
