The Harlequins Foundation welcome over 80 young people to participate in a mixed ability rugby festival at the home of Harlequins as part of the Project Rugby initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the success of last year\u2019s inaugural Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) festival, where the Club hosted local schools to play an array of rugby games on The Stoop pitch, the Harlequins Foundation today held their second Mixed Ability Rugby Day for over 80 pupils.<\/p>\n The event was part of Harlequins\u2019 contribution to the Premiership Rugby\u2019s \u2018Project Rugby\u2019 initiative, which is designed to increase participation in the game from people from traditionally underrepresented community groups, including those with disabilities. Having exceeded their initial target of 12,000 participants in the summer of 2018, well over 20,000 young people have now taken part in the Premiership Rugby project, with Harlequins reaching over 1,200 children this year alone.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s event at The Stoop introduced the game to pupils from seven special education schools during hugely enjoyable morning sessions, before putting them through their paces in a set of fun matches in the afternoon.<\/p>\n Foundation Coordinator, and Disability Rugby lead, Matthew Williams said: \u201cMixed-ability events like these are the perfect way to allow more and more young people to experience our sport.<\/p>\n \u201cRugby is a game for everyone, no matter your background, and together with our partner schools we are using the power of sport to inspire and equip young people of all abilities to realise their potential.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to work with initiatives like Project Rugby to bring people of all ages into the sport and promote the immense social benefits it can bring.\u201d<\/p>\n Lead Projects Manager at Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, Karen Cunningham added: \u201cOrchard Hill College & Academy Trust\u2019s Digital School were delighted to be part of the Disability Rugby Festival again this year.”<\/p>\n \u201cIt was brilliant to have so many young people taking part and popping into our Digital hub to try out the latest technology including Virtual Reality and Lego Education. Our Digital School is open every Friday at The Stoop for local schools and community groups to book sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n