Harlequins and Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), the national governing body for disabled rugby, have announced a formal partnership as part of the development of the Harlequins Foundation. Members of the Harlequins squad were so impressed with the professional athletes at the Paralympic Games that it has inspired them to support the team on a more formal basis.
David Ellis, Chief Executive of Harlequins, said: “We are really excited at this partnership of two professional sporting teams working together. We were all so impressed with the talent that was on display at The Paralympic Games and to now be working with them in this capacity will be hugely beneficial for both parties.”
David Pond, Chief Executive of GBWR, added: “This is a great opportunity for our respective teams. Harlequins player Mike Brown is now an official GBWR ambassador and his fellow Harlequins Chris Robshaw and George Robson both visited the team during the Games in 2012 which gave us a great boost. We are now looking forward to working with the club on a number of initiatives and in support of the club’s Foundation which is an exciting prospect”.
As part of the relationship the two organisations will work together to deliver joint corporate initiatives and share best practise on a variety of areas. Harlequins will support GBWR with sponsorship and promotional opportunities whilst GBWR will share their expertise in wheelchair rugby with Harlequins.
The Harlequins Foundation will provide a framework for community engagement with GWBR delivering the disability arm.
Follow GBWR on www.gbwr.org.uk.