MANITOU AUSTRALIA PARTNERS UP WITH THE MODIFIED RUGBY PROGRAM (MRP)
Manitou Australia is excited to announce its new partnering with GingerCloud Foundation for the next three years to support the growth of the Modified Rugby Program (MRP).
In making the announcement, Manitou Australia’s partnership with GingerCloud is aiming at creating long term pathways for inclusion for children with learning and perceptual disabilities.
“GingerCloud’s vision through the MRP to move children off the sidelines and into the main game of rugby and life is a great alignment with Manitou’s values and our CSR programs.” Stuart Walker said.
“Manitou is a true Australian market and world leader. In association with our national dealer network and staff, we hope we can play a role in spreading the message of inclusion, belonging and success through the MRP.”
Megan Elliott GingerCloud’s Managing Director said Manitou’s real commitment to the MRP shows how corporate Australia can join forces with innovative, grass roots community programs to create real long term social change.
“As the MRP is all about creating a world where children like our son Max and their families can feel safe, a sense of belonging and add value to their communities, we are so proud that an organisation like Manitou with its strong family value set fostered by the Braud family, has chosen to support our vision,” Megan said.
“We are changing the world’s perception of children with learning and perceptual disabilities one rugby club at a time and we are so proud that Manitou will be right there beside us.”
In 2017, the MRP will be endorsed by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) as a new division of rugby in Australia and was recognised in 2016 by World Rugby as a Finalist in the Global Rugby Character Award in London.
Since its pilot in 2014 with 1 team of 16 participants at Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane, in 2017 the MRP has grown to include 12 teams of more than 180 participants across South East Qld in three divisions: the Modified Rugby Program (MRP), the MRP 7s and the MRP Colts pilot at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club in Brisbane.
Background – The Modified Rugby Program (MRP) http://www.mymrp.org/
The Modified Rugby Program (MRP) is a new, modified form of touch-only rugby, developed by GingerCloud Foundation, where each boy and girl with a learning and perceptual disability has their own club PlayerMentor on the field supporting them. Through the program, children experience the sheer thrill of playing rugby, often for the very first time. In fact, many have never been able to play a team sport before. The MRP aims to move boys and girls with learning and perceptual disabilities off the sidelines and into the main game. The program encourages boys and girls to play rugby as part of their local junior rugby club community.