Bt Backs GB Wheelchair Rugby
BT has expanded its commitment to disability sport by announcing a new three year partnership that will see the telecommunications brand become the official principal partner of GB Wheelchair Rugby, as well as the Official Communications Partner.
A long-term supporter of disability sport in the UK, BT will work with GB Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) to continue the transformation of the sport and drive levels of engagement.
David Pond, CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “It’s fantastic to have BT behind us as we continue to grow Wheelchair Rugby over the next three years. Not only will the BT GB team benefit from the partnership as they prepare for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, but thanks to BT we’ll be able to build our Club National Championships into a high quality event and get more people than ever playing the game in their local communities all over the UK.”
Suzi Williams, BT group marketing and brand director, commented: “Disability sport doesn’t just inspire us all to be the best we can be, it’s also about world class athletes and competition at the highest level. That’s why I couldn’t be more delighted to announce our new partnership with GB Wheelchair Rugby. We’re looking forward to working with GBWR, creating more possibilities than ever before for people to engage with, be inspired by, and have a go at the sport.”
England International rugby union star, Mike Brown, an ambassador to GB Wheelchair Rugby, added: “Wheelchair Rugby is fast and thrilling, with huge potential to grow. It’s fantastic to see the plans that BT and GBWR are putting in place to drive the sport forwards, enabling many more people to get involved.”
In 2015, the BT GB team will face seven of the world’s top nations in the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, taking place at the Copper Box Arena in October.
The BT GB national team is currently ranked number one in Europe and 5th in the world and will be competing against London 2012 Paralympic medallists USA and Canada, plus Japan, South Africa, France, New Zealand and current world and Paralympic champions Australia.
Mike Brown continued: “The BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge is a brilliant idea. It’s being staged right in the middle of the Rugby World Cup and will generate plenty of interest in Wheelchair Rugby at a vital time for the sport.”
BT is also supporting several GBWR community programmes to increase participation in wheelchair rugby.
This year GBWR aims to create three new clubs around the UK and will develop six youth teams. By 2018, GBWR aims to have enabled 400 young people between the ages of 8-18 to take part in a six-week introduction to the sport.
