Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has today launched the ‘28 for 28’, a strategic commercial initiative created to support the vision for wheelchair rugby to become the showcase disability sport in the UK by 2028.
GBWR is the national governing body for the game of wheelchair rugby in England, Scotland, and Wales. The mixed-gender sport has grown dramatically since the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. From a domestic league with a single division, the sport now has three disciplines: Paralympic wheelchair rugby, wheelchair rugby fives, and three-v-three wheelchair rugby, with multiple leagues and over 35 clubs across Great Britain. Wheelchair rugby became headline news in summer 2021 when the GB team made history by winning gold at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
With the British team defending their gold medal at Paris 2024, GBWR is looking beyond the Games next year to future-proof the sport at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is significantly impacting players and potential participants in wheelchair rugby.
Research earlier this year revealed that the rise in living costs affects people with disabilities more than those without1. People with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be inactive (43%) compared to those without (23%)2, highlighting the financial restraints that disabled individuals face to play sport and be active.
Wheelchair rugby has the potential to empower individuals with severe physical impairments, but without further support it is going to be difficult to reach and retain those who could benefit from the sport, especially with living costs continuing to increase.
To help secure the future growth of the sport, GBWR has launched the ‘28 for 28’ initiative which aims to bring together 28 partners to join the sport’s journey from the 2025 World Games in China through to the LA 2028 Paralympics.
GBWR wants to harness the collective power of a group who share a joint passion for inclusivity and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. The governing body has already secured support from partners Socios.com, Allied Mobility, Get Kids Going!, Ascot Underwriting Holdings Limited, and Tokio Marine Kiln.
Jason Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer at GBWR, said:
“The sport’s growth in recent years has been astronomical, but there are still challenges that may reduce that momentum. We are still a small sport yet have a huge role to play in ensuring people with disabilities are able to live active lifestyles and thrive.
“By launching the ‘28 for 28’, we are looking to work together with a series of partners who share our passion to break barriers, advance inclusivity, and help dreams come true. The opportunity for our sport is huge and we already have some fantastic partners signed up to support us. Our ambitious vision to become the showcase disability sport in the UK by 2028 demonstrates the journey we are on.”
GBWR will be hosting the ‘28 for 28’ launch event in collaboration with founding member Ascot on Wednesday 28th February 2024 at 20 Fenchurch Street (the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building) in London for prospective partners wanting to learn more and join the momentum. For more information on the event and ‘28 for 28’, please contact 28for28@gbwr.org.uk.
Find out more about joining the 28 for 28.
1The underlying disposable income gap between the disabled (£19,319) and nondisabled population (£27,766) was 44 per cent in 2020-21: down from 54 per cent a decade ago, but still hugely significant (The Resolution Foundation, 2023)
2 Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey
