Leicester Tigers Down Syndrome rugby team enjoyed a wonderfully successful opening session last weekend.
The event, held on Saturday, October 21, saw over 70 attendees, including participants, children, parents and family members and was enjoyed by people of all ages, children and adults alike, all able to enjoy rugby in a safe and fun environment.
It was amazing to see the Down syndrome community and the rugby family come together, with members of the Sale Sharks Down syndrome team also present for this inaugural event.
All of those present at the inaugural session began their day at our new women's facility Oaks Park training ground, before enjoying Tigers taking on Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership.
At half-time the team came onto the pitch to soak in the atmosphere at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, before getting the chance to meet several of the men's players to cap off an unforgettable day for all involved.
You can read testimonials from some of the parents below:
"The smiles on my daughter's face and non-stop laughter all through the session said it all.
"I know she thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, there’s hardly anything out there specifically aimed at children/young adults with Down Syndrome, so what you and your colleagues at Leicester Tigers are doing is amazing. It's inclusivity at its finest.
"Roll on the next session!"
- Kelly, Lucie-Ann's Mum.
“Due to Amarah’s age, the Tigers launch was her and our family’s first real opportunity to be involved with children with Down Syndrome and their immediate families.
"Seeing the children with smiles on their faces running around the pitch was so pleasing to see and was an amazing experience. The meeting also gave parents an opportunity to talk and share the joys and realities of our journeys. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and no doubt with the support of everyone the team will be a success.
"We also now have a new Tigers supporter in the family who keeps on shouting Tigers whilst waving the flags!”
- Luke, Amarah's Dad.
If you would or someone you know would like to get involved with the Leicester Tigers Down syndrome rugby team, sessions will run every other Sunday, starting from the 22nd of October, and every weekend until the end of the season. The next session will be held on Sunday, November 5 and you can register your interest below.
Our partnership with Stand out Socks was also a huge success, their launch day coinciding with our first session. We are delighted to announce we sold over 100 pairs of the specially designed prints sold on Saturday alone and you can buy yours now from Shop.LeicesterTigers.com.
