Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust to support Mixed Ability rugby development!

International Mixed Ability Sports is delighted to announce that the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has kindly agreed to support activities linked to the development of Mixed Ability rugby in Central and South America!

Following the success of the 4^th International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART), which saw the participation of more than 1500 rugby players with and without disabilities – in both men’s and women’s teams – interest in establishing Mixed Ability rugby teams has surged in countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Many of the countries were represented at IMART through combined teams or selections, but have expressed a desire to establish proper Mixed Ability teams in their community clubs thanks to the guidance from IMAS.

Thanks to the support of the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust, IMAS will be able to deliver initial education to coaches and club managers, building on the educational resources and best practice successfully developed over the past 15 years. The training will be led by IMAS trainers who are experts with lived experience of disability and MA rugby players. Additionally, IMAS will be able to help with the delivery of national Mixed Ability Rugby Open Days aimed at attracting new participants, especially from excluded and underrepresented groups.

Martino Corazza, IMAS Co-founder and Director said, “We are thrilled to have the backing of one of the most iconic clubs in World Rugby. Just like the Barbarians, we have our roots in Bradford and from here we manage to promote full inclusion into community-based, grassroots rugby clubs. Besides, we cherish the same values of respect, friendship, enjoyment and sportsmanship, where we are all equal players regardless of abilities or disability. With the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust’s support, we will be able to inspire many more communities to start their Mixed Ability journeys, creating long-lasting memories and benefitting from the transformational power of the game we love!”

A spokesperson for the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust added: “We are proud to be supporting International Mixed Ability Sports and the great work they do.  Barbarians F.C. is supported across the world on the field, and since its inception in 2004, Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has been repaying that support by itself supporting worthwhile causes across the world and we are delighted to be continuing to do that.”