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<strong>Rugby</strong> for All:<br />
Ballyclare RFC's<br />
Clare Hares Inspire<br />
Inclusivity<br />
The Clare Hares, a disability rugby team<br />
established at Ballyclare RFC show that<br />
rugby really is for all. This grassroots club<br />
has gone the extra mile to be inclusive in<br />
their community.<br />
The Clare Hares are not your typical rugby<br />
team. They are a group of individuals with<br />
learning disabilities who come together<br />
to enjoy the game in a supportive and<br />
inclusive environment. Organised by<br />
dedicated club members Moore Kennedy<br />
and Clifford Gilmore, the Clare Hares offer<br />
a platform for individuals with learning<br />
disabilities to engage in tag rugby, a noncontact<br />
form of rugby.<br />
"Clare Hares had a very successful start<br />
to their time at The Cloughan, home of<br />
Ballyclare <strong>Rugby</strong> Club," says Kennedy,<br />
highlighting the positive reception the<br />
team has received within the club and the<br />
broader community. They are now coached<br />
by Gary Dorman, Kris James, Tommy Scott<br />
and Davy Kernoghan and have four or five<br />
helpers who are doing Duke of Edinburgh.<br />
The essence of disability tag rugby lies in its<br />
inclusivity. It welcomes men, women, and<br />
children of all ages and abilities, ensuring<br />
that everyone has the opportunity to<br />
participate in the sport they love. The Clare<br />
Hares provide a safe and supportive space<br />
for individuals to engage in rugby regardless<br />
of their background or ability level.<br />
For Sarah Gilmore, a member of the Clare<br />
Hares, rugby isn't just a sport – it's a source<br />
of joy and camaraderie.<br />
"I love seeing my friends, I<br />
have made lots of friends.<br />
Everyone on the team is so<br />
special in their own way,"<br />
says Gilmore, reflecting on her experience<br />
in the team.<br />
Ballyclare <strong>Rugby</strong> Club prides itself on its<br />
commitment to community engagement<br />
and inclusivity. As a registered<br />
Community Amateur Sports Club, the<br />
club is dedicated to promoting ‘rugby<br />
for all’ in the local area.<br />
For Sarah and her teammates, Ballyclare<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Club is more than just a sports<br />
venue – it's a second home. "Ballyclare<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Club is my most favourite place in<br />
the whole wide world," shares Sarah. "It<br />
makes me feel free, and I really enjoy it. It<br />
is a really nice feeling."<br />
Through the Clare Hares, Ballyclare RFC<br />
is championing the values of inclusivity,<br />
friendship, and the sheer joy of playing<br />
rugby. The goal of the <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Foundation is to support teams such as<br />
this to ensure people of all ages, all abilities<br />
can enjoy rugby.<br />
ulster.rugby/matchtickets<br />
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