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Aug 2022
37m 50s

Rugby league - the sport for all

Bbc Radio 5 Live
About this episode

02:20 John Hughes, the director of partnerships and communities for the charity, Community Integrated Care, explains how learning disability rugby league came about and the impact its had.

06:50 We hear from Warrington’s Oliver Thomason who has become a star both of the sport and social media, having replicated Alan Shearer’s celebration at Magic Weekend.

08:00 And his brother Craig, explains his involvement in initially helping to set up Learning Disability Rugby League and how it’s changed Oliver’s life and that of many others.

17:00 Dave goes behind the scenes at Glenwood Care Home which houses those with learning disabilities who don’t or can’t play the game, but supports them by using rugby league themes.

19:10 England international Jodie Cunningham is on hand to help make soap. The players at last season’s Grand Final were gifted bars made by the residents at Glenwood.

21:10 Glenwood is based in Widnes and the facility is littered with image of Widnes Vikings RL team.

23:10 Dave is joined by members of the ‘Media Club’ at Community Integrated Care, who describe the roles they experienced within the media at the recent game between Wigan and Warrington.

27:25 Steve Roberts, Widnes Vikings’ general manager, explains how those with learning disabilities utilise the same facilities at the club’s stadium as those in the first team.

34:00 The podcast concludes with John Hughes detailing how more and more clubs are joining in and supporting the charity and the people it supports day after day.

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