By Sian Haynes 
Mandip Sehmi who will coach the taster sessions pictured in action
Coventry Rugby has formed an exciting and innovative partnership with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) and the Xcel Centre to bring the sport to the city.
This will bring access to an exciting, contact sport which is social and fun to the physically disabled across Coventry and surrounding areas.
Four free taster sessions have been put on at the Xcel centre in Canley which are open to any adults or youth players (12 years +) with physical disabilities.
Where: Xcel Centre, Mitchel Avenue, Coventry CV4 8DY
Dates: November 24, December 1, 8 and 15
When: Saturdays between 9:30 and 11:30am
Lee Parry, GBWR Regional Development Officer, and former Coventry Rugby player said:
“This is a great opportunity for wheelchair rugby and Coventry Rugby Club.
“It is a growing sport which offers players with physical disabilities the opportunity to be involved in a contact sport which is social and fun.
“Working in partnership with such a historic club as Coventry is a great step forward for wheelchair rugby in the Midlands.”
Coventry Rugby Community Manager Ben Gulliver said:
“We have been working in partnership with GBWR over the past six weeks at Baginton Fields, Sherbourne Fields and The Corley Centre.
“Stu Mclindon, the GBWR youth programme manager, has had support from Scott Tolmie and our community team.
“We are delighted to build on this through supporting the taster sessions at the Excel centre, with the ultimate goal of setting up a Coventry Rugby Wheelchair Rugby Team in the not too distant future.”
Mandip Sehmi in action
These taster sessions will be delivered by ex-GB player and three-time Paralympian Mandip Sehmi, who said:
“It’s so exciting to see Coventry Rugby and GBWR launch a wheelchair rugby club.
“Wheelchair Rugby is a sport that provides so many opportunities for disabled people who may feel they cannot take part in other sports. I know first-hand how much it helps people keep fit and feel part of a club that understands their abilities.
“Having started playing for a bit of fun and working all the way up to representing GB at three Paralympics, I am keen to help others reach their potential. Just head over to one of the taster sessions at the CV Life Xcel Leisure Centre in Coventry and come and have a go, I promise you’ll love it!”
For more information, or if you would like to reserve your place at any of the taster sessions then get in contact with Lee by email: Lee.Parry@GBWR.org.uk or telephone: 07740 266587
