Sylvanvale is sponsoring Sydney’s first mixed abilities rugby team, the Powerful Owls.
The Powerful Owls were formed in 2023 as a way for adults of all abilities to give rugby a go. Players are not classified by physical, intellectual or mental disabilities or barriers. The team is open to anyone who wants to play rugby. The all-inclusive club is a joint initiative of the Engadine, Oatley and Burraneer Golden Oldies Rugby Union Clubs.
Mixed Ability Rugby has been taking off around the world in recent years. There’s even an International Tournament with teams from Spain, Ireland, Italy, Canada and South America. Here in Australia, Perth is leading the way with three (3) mixed-ability teams, including Australia’s founding team The Southern Lions.
James Delliquanti, Engadine Limping Lions Rugby Club Secretary, was introduced to the all-abilities game during the Golden Oldies World Tour in Perth. He had the opportunity to play against the Southern Lions All Abilities team in an exhibition match. It was an experience that left him determined to bring the game to Sydney.
“That one opportunity changed by outlook on what Rugby could achieve. There was a player on the other team with vision impairment who played with his support person. He came at me as the only defender in front of him. With a word from his support person to let him know how far he was from the try line, he dived over the line and planted the ball. When the ref blew his whistle to award the try, the smile on this young man’s face was priceless. It gave me a new appreciation for how important it is for these players to be included and to be able to play as part of a team. It was at that moment I knew I was bringing this game to Sydney.”
For Sylvanvale, sponsoring the Powerful Owls is a great way to support participation in sport, and greater inclusion in the community. It follows Sylvanvale’s sponsorship of the Sutherland Titans Football Club, which caters to junior and senior players with disability from the Sutherland Shire, St George and other areas.
The Powerful Owls have been training monthly as the players learn the game. This Sunday the team will play against Perth’s Southern Lions at a Gala Day. The community is encouraged to get down to Old Bush Road Oval, Yarrawarrah this Sunday from 10.30am for games with the mixed abilities teams, followed by the Golden Oldies.
People interested in joining the Powerful Owls can message the team through its Facebook page.
"Joining a sporting team is a great way to make new social connections, build self-esteem, and improve overall wellbeing. People with disability should have the same choices as everyone else to play sport. We're so happy that Sylvanvale can support the Powerful Owls to grow and reach more people in the Sutherland Shire. And importantly, to have fun!"
- Sylvanvale CEO, Leanne Fretten.
