Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has launched a groundbreaking fundraising initiative – 28 for 28 – aimed at bringing 28 partners together to support the team on their journey to the LA28 Paralympic Games. Get Kids Going! is delighted to be one of the partners.
28 for 28 represents a unique and collaborative effort to garner support for GBWR, uniting partners in a shared mission to break down barriers and build bridges to advance inclusivity. The initiative aims to pool funds from multiple sources to maximize their impact and create a lasting legacy for wheelchair rugby.
GBWR CEO Jason Brisbane explains:
“It is our vision to be the showcase disability sport in Great Britain, but if we are to achieve our vision we need to think and act differently. This is an ambitious initiative that harnesses the collective power of organisations and individuals with a shared sense of responsibility to break down barriers and deliver opportunities for those with a disability so they can thrive.
“There is a disproportionate cost of living impact on the disabled population with the income gap between disabled and nondisabled population at 44% on average. Playing our sport at a high level is costly, requiring expensive equipment and typically weekend travel and accommodation costs. 28 for 28 will help us overcome some of these challenges so we can help people access the sport and develop a pipeline of world-class talent.”
At Get Kids Going! we are proud to be amongst such notable founding partners of the 28 for 28 initiative include England Rugby, Allied Mobility, Socios.com Supports, Ascot Underwriting Holdings, the RFU Injured Players Foundation, and Tokio Marine Kiln. This commitment and support will lay the foundation for the success of this initiative and fuel the future of wheelchair rugby in Great Britain.
Ascot Underwriting Holdings, a leading Lloyd’s of London insurer, hosted the launch of the 28 for 28 at their Fenchurch Street offices in London on what marked the six months to go to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
GB wheelchair rugby gold medallist Aaron Phipps said of the initiative:
“People watched us for first time in London and that started an amazing journey which saw two million people watch us win in Tokyo. Once you watch it you can’t take your eyes off it!
“We wouldn’t have taken gold without the support we received. Come along with us as we continue our journey. This is a great opportunity to make a huge difference to peoples’ lives. You will have a direct impact and improve lives in so many ways.”
Wheelchair rugby has the potential to empower individuals with severe physical impairments, but without further support it is going to be difficult to reach and retain those who could benefit from the sport, especially with living costs continuing to increase.
Wheelchair rugby is the only mixed-gender Paralympic team sport which has grown five-fold since the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
To learn more about the 28 for 28 initiative and how to get involved, visit the official website at https://gbwr.org.uk/28for28/ or reach out via email at [email protected].
Find out more about Get Kids Going! and how to support young athletes.