Gravesend Dynamite
three play together); we have disabled
players such as James, a single leg
amputee that has catapulted himself
to international honours in wheelchair
rugby 7’s representing England but
also the club has motivated him further
and he’s in line to represent team GB in
Tokyo 2020 at wheelchair fencing; we
have other disabled players that can now
play a sport with their able bodied best
mates; we have people who used to play
rugby but because of injury had to give
up but now they can throw a rugby ball
around again. We have a lad, about 12,
who used to get bullied apparently in
school but the club has given him greater
confidence and now he’s making huge
progress with his learning and his social
skills in school.
“There’s a real excitement amongst
our players at the moment as our senior
team have gone unbeaten for another
12 months winning the national Slam
competition last year and the south
league for two years running.
“Our youth team have been Kent
champions since 2014 but our club is
not just about winning and competing
nationally. We love the fact that we are
giving opportunities for developing
health to so many people and changing
people’s perceptions of disability whilst
we’re doing it.
“We h ave worked with over 2000
students from local special, primary
and secondary schools, giving them the
chance to ‘try’ wheelchair sports. Our
links with Gravesend RFC and with
Kasbah have been really rewarding.
Kasbah have been so helpful loaning
us their mini bus for free so we can
get to games. I decided as soon as the
club started to give away our shirt
sponsorship for free to a local charity
and I immediately picked Kasbah. We’re
very proud to wear their name on our
shirts.
“We’ll start training again soon after
a short break and continue to develop
the club from all corners; the elite players
pushing for national representation,
the youth players growing in ability
quickly, the players just there for fun and
enjoyment we will continue to ensure
that they gain so much from our club, the
community work we do with disability
groups and schools will continue and
if there’s anyone out there (and it’s
inclusive so I mean absolutely anyone!)
that wants to give wheelchair rugby a
try then please email me at wheelchair.
[email protected]
“I would love it if a top club from the
Premiership or Championship took an
interest in this form of wheelchair rugby
- murderball is brilliant and has a lot of
supporters with Harlequins, the RFU
and Mike Brown for example but our
version is just as ‘smashing, crashing’
and huge fun plus anyone can play and
it’s with a real rugby ball replicating the
rules of rugby so it would be amazing if
we had a few ex pro’s or current clubs
just giving the sport a go. It makes a
massive impact on local communities.”
KASBAH provides support services to people with physical
and/or learning disabilities throughout the county of kent .
01474 536501 | www.kasbah.org.uk | [email protected]
“KASBAH is a Kent wide charity that provides a range of support services
to any disabled person, their families and/or Carer in Kent. Please take a
moment to look at our website at www.kasbah.org.uk.
The Advisor Service offers information on all topics relating to disabilities.
DIAL is volunteer led providing advice on disabilities and benefits. KASBAH
is also a specialist provider of independence training in North West Kent and
Rochester offering support/training in daily living tasks.
We are very proud to be in partnership and to sponsor Gravesend Dynamite,
the fantastic wheelchair rugby club developed and managed by Jason Owen.”
- Emma Carver, Chief Executive Officer
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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