Pictured at the launch of the tag rugby programme for people with learning disabilities are, from left, Liam Greaves, Stuart McCrea, Gareth McKenna, Sarah Keith, Stuart Olding, Nathan McTiernan, Paddy Jackson, Conor Morris and Corinna Power.
Although the weather tried its best to dampen this very special occasion, the new section of Enniskillen Rugby Club – the Enniskillen Elks, were not going to let a flurry of snow hold them back as they welcomed the visiting Portadown Panthers and two Ulster sporting stars on Friday night.
The evening’s session was the first night and Official launch of the Elks, a tag rugby section of ERFC for people with learning disabilities. Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby that is an enjoyable, fun and active way to keep fit and healthy, played by men, women and children of all ages and all abilities.
Due to the very cold whether it was decided to start the session in the clubhouse with the Portadown Panther’s coaches leading the warm up and getting everyone involved.
However the players were very keen to experience tag rugby on the pitch so along with two of Ulster Rugby’s brightest stars, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, both teams had a further session out on the Mullaghmeen turf. During this the games were divided into two age groups with instruction given on the techniques of tag and passing and running with the ball.
All the players enjoyed the experience and afterwards Paddy and Stuart spent time with both clubs for photos and autographs. The evening was rounded off with a supper in the club house.
ERFC youth secretary Stuart McCrae thanked everyone who turned out on such a cold and wintry evening, especially the Portadown Panthers and Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding for their help and encouragement.
The evening was a great start to the programme. Anyone thinking of trying out this fun and healthy sport should come along to the training sessions at Mullaghmeen on Friday nights, 7pm.
For further details contact Stuart on 07540121589 or stuartmccrae@yahoo.co.uk.