We welcomed Megan and Byron from Penrith Pumas WRC CIC to deliver a day of wheelchair rugby on Wednesday, 9 July.
First up were a group of Year 7s who eagerly threw themselves into their session. They quickly got the hang of using the chairs, whizzing across the sports hall, before taking part in simple ball skills drills, and finishing with races up and down the full length of the sports hall.
Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced contact sport and the highlight for many of the students was being allowed to crash their chairs head on into the coach Byron’s chair. The noise!
It was lovely to catch up with our very own Team GB wheelchair rugby star Oliver Wightman who came into school and assisted with this first session.
Similar sessions then continued throughout the day with students from Years 7, 9 and 10 all taking part. Every student who had a go enjoyed themselves. Some were a bit reserved at first, preferring to observe, but soon they chose to join in and had a great time.
One stand-out performance of the day was from Isaac in Year 7 who surprised everyone with the speed he could manoeuvre and turn his chair.
Thank you Megan and Byron from Penrith Pumas for bringing all the chairs and introducing this fantastic inclusive sport to so many of our students. Everyone said they would like to have another go so an invite for next year is definitely on the cards.
We look forward to hearing from you about your wheelchair rugby sessions going forward and hopefully some inspired students will head your way.
