Bulls create community
Players, families embrace world first modified rugby union program
SKILLS, drills and plain oldfashioned fun are at the heart of the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) being run in Charters Towers by the Bulls.
Charters Towers Bulls MRP co-ordinator Kelvin Peno said the concept behind the nationwide program was to simply get kids, who for many reasons are unable to play mainstream sports, involved in rugby union.
He said the children had been training weekly for the past two school terms and joined with Brothers MRP players to play a game against Grammar MRP team in Townsville this year.
“The game was awesome,” he said.
“These kids are rocking the Bulls gear and they’re part of the club and they love it. We love it.”
The MRP is a world first, touch-only, modified form of rugby union that is specifically designed to allow girls, boys and young adults with autism, aspergers and other learning and perceptual disabilities to experience the joy of being part of a club community and playing in a rugby team.
There are kids of all abilities taking part in Charters Towers, and Mr Peno said the program wasn’t just for the players.
“Parents get the chance to join the Bulls community as well and be a part of the bigger club,” he said.
The MRP Bulls are hoping to wind up their season with a special training session in Townsville in the next couple of weeks.
For more information about the Bulls’ MRP contact the club via the Facebook Page.