Last year, the Enfield Rugby Club, noticed a lack of adaptive sports opportunities in the Halifax area. This inspired the club to launch a wheelchair rugby program to create more inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities and build community through the sport. At the initial launch, eight participants participated, and since then, six additional participants have joined.
The program can currently accommodate eight to ten athletes. While there are no age restrictions, the program primarily targets teens and adults, and it hopes to add a junior program in the future. The program operates out of Shearwater on a weekly basis, with each session running for two to three hours. The sessions will take participants through a warm-up, skill development, and gameplay.
“The program has attracted participants from far reaching areas beyond Shearwater, anywhere from an hour’s drive away, all the way to Prince Edward Island,” said Eileen Du Plooy, Head Coach of NS Wheelchair Rugby Team. “This interest from other communities reflects both the need for adaptive sports opportunities and the program’s growing reputation.”
Starting a program comes with its hurdles, and the club has encountered a few, such as equipment costs for the specialized chairs needed for wheelchair rugby, growing awareness of the program, and facility accessibility. Partner support from Sport Nova Scotia, Wheelchair Rugby Canada, Para PEI & NB, and instrumental support from the community have ensured the program’s success.
“With the support of Sport Fund EDIA and partners, we secured funding for four new chairs, collaborating with rehab services with occupational therapists and physios has helped us spread the word, and community support and partnerships have ensured we had access to facilities that meet participants needs,” said Du Plooy. “Additionally, organizations like Enfield Rugby Club have provided essential administrative and operational. Without their support, we simply would not have been able to start this initiative.”
This year, they’ve focused on building a structured adult wheelchair rugby program, including weekly training sessions. This winter, they plan to host additional Have-a-Go events, explore opportunities to attend regional competitions, and aim to develop a junior program.
“Seeing participants overcome their hesitation, to watching their joy at finding a space where they feel included and competitive again is why we started this program,” said Du Plooy. “Having a life-changing moment where everything you know changes instantly is a challenge in itself; through Wheelchair Rugby Canada, we can connect individuals through a peer-to-peer program with someone who has faced similar adversity is an amazing thing.”
To learn more about the Enfield Rugby Club and the program, email nswheelchairrugby@outlook.com or visit their website. To stay current on events and initiatives, head to their Instagram page.
The success of Enfield Rugby Clubs’ Para Wheelchair Rugby Program was made possible by Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility grant. Check out our Sport Fund eligibility for more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can support your community sport initiative.