Joy and laughter: the Leicester rugby team for children with Down’s syndrome

Parents say the training sessions are a ‘lifeline’ opportunity for their children to participate in sport

A rugby team set up for young people with Down’s syndrome has been described as a “lifeline” by parents who say there is a chronic lack of opportunities for their children.

Leicester Tigers launched the team in October last year and now have more than 40 families signed up to their fortnightly training sessions.

Kelly Towl, whose eight-year-old, Lucie-Ann, attends the sessions said the team had had a positive impact on her daughter.

“There aren’t many sports aimed solely at children with Down’s syndrome, so for that to actually happen is positive,” she said. “Your children are not judged, we’re not judged … we’re all in the same boat.”

Towl, a mother of three whose family are fans of Leicester Tigers and regularly attend matches, said she was very excited by the opportunity for her daughter to participate in the sport.

“I think children with Down’s syndrome, they’re stereotyped … so this really is a lifeline, and other sports and other teams should really take note,” she said. “You’ve only got to see the smile on their faces on a Sunday morning and the hug they give each other, it’s just tear-jerking.”

 

Judy Lindsay-Timmins, parent to Louis, 17, described the team as a “safe, wonderful environment for our young people” that had developed her son’s communication, concentration and confidence.

“Louis is very active, loves being outside and being given the opportunity to join sports the same as anyone else,” she said. “He feels as if he’s a member of a team. A family group … because instead of being on the sidelines, he’s embraced, he’s part of it.”

The parents described the team as indispensable, particularly due to the chronic lack of community groups for children and families with Down’s syndrome.

When asked if there were similar groups available in her local area, Lindsay-Timmons said: “No, definitely not. We live in Lincolnshire, so we travel nearly an hour, so over 30 miles to come, because there is nothing in our local area.”

 

Source: The Guardian

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