The people of Kent, young or old, male or female and physically able or disabled, are being asked to get involved in Wheelchair Rugby.

Just a few weeks ago, it was announced that Medway Park in Gillingham would be hosting the 2013 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup as England set about defending their title they won in 2008.

Kent is well served by the Medway Dragons and recently they gave the opportunity to some local school children to get in a wheelchair for the first time and play a game they already loved.

England Manager, Martin Coyd and Assistant Coach, Mark Roughsedge, watched on as the kids were put through their paces with both agreeing that it was great to see so many new faces wanting to be involved in their sport:

“I think it’s a pretty unique game, wheelchair rugby league. The rules and the principles are pretty much as close as you can get to the running game.” said Roughsedge.

“Kids always go away blown away by the sport and the more people we can get exposed to it the better. I think the Paralympics have done us a massive favour.”

“It’s put disabled sport at the forefront of everyone’s minds and quite rightly so.”

Coyd added:

“The real beauty of wheelchair rugby league is that absolutely anyone can play. There are no restrictions, no barriers, you can just get in and have a go.”

“It’s open to anybody and by playing it, you will soon understand what it is like to be a wheelchair athlete. We have brothers that play together, one is disabled and the other not.”

“The good thing is that is allows friends to play sport together and be part of something competitive.”

The Medway Dragons are no strangers to the international stage, with two of their own players – Nick Rooks and Joe Coyd in the England squad.

Six teams from around the world will compete for the title during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, which will take place from 3 – 14 July 2013 at Medway’s £11m regional sports centre, Medway Park.

For more information about how you can get involved, visit http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/medwaydragons/ or contact Mark Roughsedge at [email protected]

Meanwhile, with the exposure of the Paralympics, interest in all manner of sports has seen the likes of Wheelchair Rugby given a major boost and successes at this year’s games has seen funding increase from £2,361,600 to £3 million ahead of the next Games in Rio in 2016.