London 2012 Paralympic captain Steve Brown was one of the attendees at the session ©Wooden Spoon

Britain’s London 2012 Paralympic Games wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown was one of five ambassadors for children’s charity Wooden Spoon to participate in a recent training session designed to inspire youngsters to get involved in the sport.

Brown took part in the session along with England women’s rugby stars Maggie Alphonsi and Rachael Burford, as well as former Scotland international Rory Lawson, winner of 31 caps, and Tom May, capped twice by England.

The event was hosted by Canterbury Rugby Football Club Wheelchair Rugby team and took place at the Copper Box Arena on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 

As well as hosting the sport at the Paralympic Games, the venue recently staged the inaugural BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, won by London 2012 silver medallists Canada.

“I was injured ten years ago and following my injury I was introduced to wheelchair rugby - my life changed completely because of this sport,” Brown said.

“To know that Wooden Spoon are investing in wheelchair rugby and helping young children and young adults find ways and means to access opportunities despite a disability, gives me confidence that we can continue to grow this great sport.”

The session was attended by a number of famous faces including England women's rugby star Maggie Alphonsi
The session was attended by a number of famous faces including England women's rugby star Maggie Alphonsi ©Wooden Spoon

The main reason for hosting the session was to demonstrate the inclusivity of wheelchair rugby, with anyone irrespective of age, gender, fitness, ability or level of disability able to take up the sport.

“Wooden Spoon, through the power of rugby, helps fund life changing projects for disabled and disadvantaged children and we are committed and proud to support a wide range of projects, including rugby activities,” Wooden Spoon director of rugby and community investment Jai Purewal added.

“To date, we have granted over £140,000 ($214,000/€193,000) to wheelchair rugby projects around the UK and aim to achieve more. 

“We are passionate about giving children and young people the opportunity to take part in this fantastic game.”



Related stories
October 2015: Canada overcome United States to win inaugural BT Wheelchair Rugby Challenge
October 2015: United States stun Paralympic champions Australia to reach BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge final
October 2015: Paralympic champions the first to qualify for semi-finals of BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge
October 2015: Ayaz Bhuta: They don't call wheelchair rugby "murderball" for nothing
October 2015: Australia begin BT Wheelchair Rugby Challenge campaign with two victories