South Lakeland project to provide sport for all (From The Westmorland Gazette)

South Lakeland project to provide sport for all

1:17pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By Daniel Orr, Reporter

YOUNG people with disabilities in the South Lakes are signing up for a fantastic opportunity as passion for the Paralympics reaches fever pitch.

The Craven Park Community Project, a not for profit organisation, has a dedicated team of coaches who successfully train rugby league in the local schools and colleges right across South Lakeland and Furness.

And their work incorporates a disability programme for young people, with professional rugby players involved in making sure there are as many sporting opportunities as possible for all.

John Pearce is the fundraiser for the project, which is running courses this week and next at the home of Barrow Raiders Rugby League Club.

He said: “The project aim is to engage with young people in any area of society from ethnic minorities to children with disabilities. We have instigated recently a new project which focuses on developing rugby for young people in wheelchairs which has been very successful, both mentally and physically for the disabled players taking part.

“We are undertaking a project called Street Rugby where children from deprived areas of society can participate in street and local park activities as they cannot afford to hire local facilities or afford to travel to a local team.

“Our focus is using rugby league to socialize communities, through participation in sport. We are hoping more people will consider involvement in our community activities, by supporting our effort to the mutual benefit of our community. This can take the form of sponsorship or helping with our coaching equipment cost.”

If you would like to become involved as a volunteer, player, sponsor or coach, contact community rugby league coach Al Goodings on 07794914938 or email alan@barrowrlfc.com