The home of Munster Rugby will partner with IMAS for a third fantastic showcase of Mixed Ability rugby
On Saturday 12th May, in Bilbao’s Fan Zone for the European Rugby Cup Finals, IMAS (International Mixed Ability Sports) will announce that the 3rd International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) will be held in Cork, Ireland, in 2020. IMART is the world cup for Mixed Ability Clubs, and is the global stage for people of all abilities to play together in the same un-adapted full-contact Rugby Union game abiding by World Rugby Laws.
Following the huge success of the inaugural tournament in Bradford (UK) in 2015, and the most recent 2017 event which was held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque Country (Spain), the event now moves to Cork for 2020.
The staging of the event in Cork marks a significant achievement for Sunday’s Well RFC, who coordinated the bid. It acknowledges the leading role which the Club now plays in championing Mixed Ability rugby. They are thrilled that IMART 2020 will bring together some of the finest Mixed Ability rugby teams in the world and will attract in the region of 750 international participants for the week-long competition.
A further exciting aspect of IMART is the interactive conference programme featuring internationally known speakers who will present and discuss the latest research around Mixed Ability sport across many disciplines.
IMAS Director Martino Corazza welcomes the choice of Ireland as the host country. “Cork is a fantastic city, with a great rugby tradition, and Sunday’s Well Rebels are a brilliant example of rugby clubs being representative of all aspects of their communities. We are incredibly proud of this event and we recognize that staging the tournament in 2020 will give enough time to the teams to put in place the necessary arrangements and offer the opportunity for IMART to realign with the next RWC in 2023”.
Liam Maher of Sunday’s Well Rugby Club and also Chair of the Organising Committee said, “We’re exceptionally proud that Cork has been chosen to host IMART 2020. That decision, I think is in part due to Ireland’s international reputation as a rugby powerhouse, but it also has much to do with our own growing reputation in Mixed Ability sport. Mixed Ability is about valuing everyone’s potential and celebrating what’s at the heart of true sport – participation, passion and fun!”
Ahsan Sakandar, former Bumble Bees RUFC captain said “It’s exciting to meet old friends and new from around the world. I am very happy to play in another world cup, it’s a dream come through”.
Patrick Sweeney, Sundays Well Rebels captain added “I am delighted that IMART 2020 is coming to Cork, I’m already looking forward to playing in my third world cup and having the chance to show my friends and family the power of Mixed Ability rugby!”.
The Mixed Ability Model encourages social inclusion by removing barriers to participation for people who feel unable to join mainstream grassroots clubs or groups due to physical or mental health issues, size, shape, age, disability, prolonged inactivity, or a perception of “not being good enough”. MA participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities share experience and learning through interactive and accessible training and resources. This creates sporting environments that are safe, welcoming and non-judgemental for all. MA emphasises regular, frequent and sustainable activities, self-determination, club membership and opportunities for social interaction for all.
Follow the build up to IMART 2020 through social media on Twitter and Instagram @imart_worldcup and on Facebook @IMARTworldcup
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