By Chris Wearmouth 
Coventry Stampede, the city’s Wheelchair Rugby team, returns to competitive action for the first time in more than two years on Sunday in the GB Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) 5s at Stoke Mandeville.
The Stampede improved throughout their first year in 2019, winning their final competition within the GBWR 5s structure. Following the 2020 hiatus the team is back, with more inspiration and determination than ever, and will be facing Northampton Saints, Team Solent Sharks, Endeavour Punishers and North East Barbarians at the home of the Paralympic Games.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two years since our Wheelchair Rugby team played competitively,” says Head Coach Mandip Sehmi. “The last 18 months have been challenging times for everyone in the community, especially those that are most vulnerable, but through adversity comes strength.
“The competition will be welcomed by everyone involved as we return to some normality. Players new and old are excited to put on the Coventry Stampede shirt to represent Coventry Rugby Club. As head coach I’m excited for the team as they have worked hard in the few training sessions we have had to prepare.”
Sehmi – a multi-time Paralympian – also says that the Gold medal won by Paralympics GB at the Tokyo Games earlier in the summer, the first such achievement by any European team, has been a massive inspiration to the team, and hopes that it will also encourage more people in Coventry to take up this fantastic sport.
“I’m so proud that the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team went on to win our first ever Gold medal in our sport at the Tokyo games,” he adds. “Especially because it came by beating our old rivals the USA in the final! It’s such a fantastic achievement and congratulations to the whole team and everyone involved in the sport.”
Whether you are a prospective player, would like to help out as a volunteer, or are a business looking for an innovative and unique opportunity, then please contact Mandip Sehmi via msehmi@coventryrugby.co.uk
