LDRL's achievements showcased at Parliament, alongside partners Community Integrated Care

It has been another successful month for Learning Disability Rugby League’s long-term partnership with Community Integrated Care, with a high-profile involvement in a special event at Speaker’s House followed by national recognition at the Sports Business Awards.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of the Commons who is nearing the end of his two-year term as RFL President, again brought together politicians, advocates and organisations supporting people with disabilities on November 18, marking Disability History Month, and today, December 3, the RFL proudly supports International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Pat Cluskey, a Widnesian who has worked for decades in Rugby League and now makes light of his physical disability as the RFL’s Head of Delivery for Professional Competitions, joined Community Integrated Care representatives in Westminster.

A couple of weeks later, the RFL’s Director of Development Marc Lovering and RL Commercial’s Head of Partnerships Bobby Bahadori joined Community Integrated Care at the Sports Business Awards at Old Billingsgate in London following nomination in the Best Sports Community Scheme category.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, which was again showcased so memorably at Magic Weekend in 2024, was up against stiff competition from a number of other uplifting schemes across a range of sports – so there were huge celebrations when they were announced as winners of the award, joining the likes of Daley Thompson,

Tottenham Hotspur, Harlequins and the World Darts Championship in being invited on to the stage.

Simon Johnson, the Chair of the RFL and a member of the RL Commercial Board, said:

“The partnership with Community Integrated Care around the Learning Disability Super League has been one of the most positive and uplifting features of our sport over a number of years, and it’s wonderful to see everyone involved receive this deserved recognition.

“Rugby League has been proud to send representation to Speaker’s House for the celebration of Disability History Month following invitations from our RFL President.

“And further national recognition at the Sports Business Awards underlines that a trailblazing initiative is admired and celebrated well beyond Rugby League circles.”

John Hughes, the Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: "I was beyond thrilled to see the talents of the people we support and our colleagues represented at Parliament for Disability History Month.

Through our charity’s projects and partnerships, we’re leading the way on driving social inclusion for people with disabilities, breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Rugby Football League for inviting us to this special event and for all of the initiatives that we’ve worked on together over the past few years, empowering and inspiring hundreds of people who draw on social care and supporting us to create a more inclusive future for people with disabilities.”