Thanks to the hard work completed behind the scenes by Canterbury Rugby Club, Hellfire have a permanent outdoor training area and can truely call themselves part of the Canterbury Rugby #OneClub.
Club Chairman, Ian Lloyd, has said “Wheelchair rugby may be considered to be an indoor sport but Hellfire like to do things a little different. Having an outdoor area all summer long means we are not stuck to a set training schedule. Members can roll up at any time and enjoy the sunshine whilst getting some extra fitness. We will be starting a series of outdoor events on Thursday evenings during the summer holidays.”
We caught also catch up with Head Coach Steve Brown.
Being the Head Coach for Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby Club is a true honour. I’ve had the opportunity to play and be captain at the highest level, including the 2012 London Paralympics, but my passion is introducing this beautiful sport to as many people as possible.
Sport is not only good for body but for the mind too and Canterbury Rugby Club understands that. The fact sport can change a persons life, not just their fitness is why it’s so important to engage young people in physical activities, particularly those with a disability.
Team sports can remove social isolation and help integrate people into the community. It promotes social interaction and helps you create new friendship groups, in turn, improving confidence and wellbeing.
That is why I’m so pleased that due to the new training area at Canterbury Rugby Club the wheelchair team can now train alongside the rest of the club, not just in a sports hall down the road. It provides an opportunity for true integration, allowing all club members the chance to see and truly understand the dedication and effort all its members put into their sport, regardless of its discipline.
Canterbury RFC have a mantra of ‘one club’ and this is certainly another step in that direction.