The organisers of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2021) in England have teamed up with Community Integrated Care (CIC) to create a programme offering volunteering opportunities to people who have care and support needs.
The project will run throughout 2021 and continue in the months following the tournament - that takes place between 23 October to 27 November- to provide ongoing mentoring and support.
Early plans include media clubs, recruitment of experts by experience to advise tournament organisers, the creation of school assemblies to educate young people on inclusion, and opportunities to volunteer with the RLWC2021 team.
The project, supported by Sport England’s Major Events Fund, will include opportunities to assist with media days and community sports events.
Participants will also have the chance to apply their skills and experience in person-centred volunteering roles – joining the RLWC2021’s ‘Power Squad’ tournament-time volunteering team.
With roles coordinated by CIC, individuals will be able to volunteer alongside their families or support workers.
“CIC and the RLWC2021 organisers have been planning this project for almost two years. We are thrilled that with the tournament now one year away, Sport England have generously enabled us to make this dream project a reality,” said CIC director of partnerships and communities John Hughes.
“Volunteering is an important platform that can enable people to enjoy life-changing experiences, give back and fulfil their potential. We are thrilled that these benefits are now even more accessible to people who have support needs,” he added.
RLWC2021 social impact director Tracy Power said: “RLWC2021 is a tournament with a purpose and we are committed to making tangible and positive social impact within our host communities and this is another brilliant way of engaging new people into rugby league through the power of the World Cup.”
