The project offers deaf and hard of hearing children the opportunity to participate in organised coaching delivered by development officers and coaches. During each session, the children learn the basic skills of running, passing and catching the ball while meeting children from other schools.
Following the session, the children enjoyed a tour of the stadium and visited the hospitality suites, gym, players’ tunnel and changing rooms, where they met Scarlets and Wales hooker Emyr Phillips for a question and answer session.
Speaking at the Stadium, Cath Williams of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Sensory Impairment Service said: “The children have enjoyed a fantastic day and it’s been a brilliant opportunity for them to come together to enjoy a new experience. Events such as this are important in developing confidence through socialising, teamwork and keeping healthy. It’s clear that there are no barriers to participating in sport.”
Sophie Cahill, project co-ordinator for Wales Deaf Rugby, said: “It’s been great to welcome so many children of all ages to the home of the Scarlets today. These sessions are key to encouraging more young people to play rugby and in the long term help identify players for the future. By working with the coaches, we can also help children and their parents find a local club where they can continue to enjoy playing rugby.”
Schools that attended the session were Ysgol y Strade Llanelli, Queen Elizabeth Carmarthen, Ysgol y Castell Kidwelly, Bryn Primary Llanelli, Llangennech Infants School, Laugharne Primary, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman Ammanford, Betws Primary Bridgend, Peniel School Carmarthen and Parcyrhun Primary School Ammanford.
Wales Deaf Rugby are grateful to the staff and coaches at the Scarlets for their support today, Tesco Llanelli for their kind provision of fruit and water and the following organisations for their generous support of the Community Project; Specsavers, The Gannet Foundation, Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust, The Barbarians Charitable Trust, The Moondance Foundation and Washington Design Penarth.
