Brooks Bandits Wheelchair Rugby Sports

Wheelchair Rugby developed in Canada in 1997, has come a long way in a few short years. The SUTRA, The United States Quad Rugby Association exist to provide support and more for people with disabilities to play competitive rugby. This article is to bring focus on the rugby teams, the main team I am interested in is from the Jacksonville Florida area. The Brooks Bandits are a new and upcoming team whose players are determined and strong individuals. My nephew Michael Mcmenamy is one of the latest players to join the rugby league. His joining Brooks Bandits has given him confidence and strength unknown since becoming disabled from a car accident. Mike is the big haired guy in the photos.

Rugby played in wheelchairs is a rough fast paced game that gives the disabled players a competitive fire that may not have been felt before. Highlighted in the 2005 movie Muderball Players in various leagues from many countries such as Great Britain, Denmark, India and many more compete in local events with a chance of improving their game and increasing their league position. Those with experience and league position get a chance to compete in the World Championships. All teams enjoy the game and the competition with fellow players.

Some great originations involved with wheelchair rugby are the USQRA the IWRF the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation. And special events pit nondisabled players in wheelchairs against the wheelchair teams giving our new players a chance to kick some butt. In July the Inaugural Southern Slam Quad Rugby Tournament was hosted by the Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program in Jacksonville Florida. The event was a big hit with sweltering heat only adding to the competitive spirit with 36 players forming 6 teams played two games before being split into different teams.. Also you may remember seeing wheelchair rugby at the 2008 Paralympics.

"The Zone Championships are also fast approaching - with tournaments in Christchurch, New Zealand (Asia Oceania), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Americas) and Hillerod, Denmark (European). The Championships will be an excellent showcase of how far the sport has come, with full complements of teams in every Zone competing for the honor to attend the 2010 World Championships" ¹

Whether champions or beginners wheelchair rugby is exciting as well as uplifting to watch. The players are proud to be associated with a fine organization. With 40 teams throughout the US you can easily find one to support

The photos are from the Summer Slam, where players are invited to come play. teams are picked and games played in pairs and players play on several teams. My nephew is the player with the big hair in the photos. Watch for a game in your area, help support our teams.

¹ http://www.iwrf.com/

http://www.quadrugby.com/

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