Minister for Disability Services, Andrew Constance, has today opened the 1st NSW Wheelchair Rugby League (NSWWRL) Development Camp as part of International Day of People with a Disability.

30 athletes are attending the two-day camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen, where they'll enhance their skills, strength and take part in education sessions. The 2011/12 Wheelchair Rugby League competition has grown to include two new teams, 40 new players and sponsorship support from six NRL clubs.

The NRL clubs sponsoring teams include the Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights. In addition former NRL player Mathew Head (St. George Illawarra Dragons) is the NSWWRL ambassador.

"The O'Farrell Government is committed to increasing participation in sport and physical activity across all sectors of the community," Mr Constance said.
"Regardless of talent or ability, sport has an astonishing power to enrich our lives as individuals and as a community."
"It's important we break down the barriers that exist for people with a disability, and a sport like wheelchair rugby league is a great social outlet."

The camp coincides with International Day of People with a Disability and the culmination of the NSW Government's Don't DIS My ABILITY campaign, which has been running for the past few weeks to raise awareness about the diversity and achievements of people with a disability. "The O'Farrell Government is committed to a socially inclusive NSW where people with a disability are afforded every opportunity to reach their full potential and participate in the workforce and the broader community," Mr Constance said.

For further information about Don't DIS My ABILITY partner events and activities, visit Visit Site

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Wheelchair Rugby League (WRL)
The game is almost identical to rugby league however it is played on a field about half the size of a National Rugby League (NRL) ground with mini goalposts. With five players aside, an AFL-style hand pass is used instead of a kick on the last tackle.

Wheelchair Rugby League should not be confused with Wheelchair Rugby (also known as murder ball) as these activities represent different sports. The future plan of WRL is to further develop the game and align teams to NRL clubs throughout New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and to establish a national competition concurrently with the NRL season.

Wheelchair rugby league is well established overseas in countries including Britain, France and the Czech Republic who all have local competitions. The first International Wheelchair Rugby League tag game in Australia was played in 2004 in New South Wales, in which Australia defeated France in a three game series.
2013 will see the second staging of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will be held in the United Kingdom and hosted by England. England is the defending champion having defeated Australia in the 2008 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final.

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Source:
http://www.nsw.liberal.org.au/news/disability-services/wheelchair-rugby-league-development-camp