Last Saturday, our Toowoomba MRP community were invited to showcase an MRP game as the opening match in the First XV O'Callaghan Cup (Toowoomba Grammar v Downlands College), hosted by Toowoomba Grammar School. Our MRP Players (neurodiverse young people) were so excited to see their Coaches, PlayerMentors and friends again for a final run onto the rugby field for 2023.
And what a way to end the MRP Season!
The MRP teams ran across the Old Boys Oval, entering a tunnel formed by the Toowoomba Grammar students, extending from the top of the grandstand to the bottom of the field. This was an exhilarating experience for our community. As the crowd chanted loudly 'MRP!' "MRP!" we experienced and felt the true power of inclusion!
Click here to see our MRP Players' excitement as they ran onto the field!
We also had the privilege of former MRP participant Charlie Bragg refereeing the game; it was a thrill to have him join us on the field again!
Cam, Nick and Fiona would like to thank the Toowoomba MRP Community, especially our Coaches and PlayerMentors, who are the magic behind our success. Their support in organizing the day and making it a truly memorable experience for the MRP Players, their families and friends was appreciated.
To all our MRP Clubs, Redbacks Rugby Union, USQ Junior Rugby Union, Toowoomba Bears Junior Rugby Union and Downs Rugby, thank you for championing inclusion in your clubs during the 2023 Season!
And finally, a special thank you to our parents, families, friends, guardians and carers of the MRP Players who continually show us the ripple effect of inclusion in sport!
We are so looking forward to the MRP 2024 Season, and we can't wait to continue to "power inclusion together"!
Click here to see more fabulous images taken by the wonderful Jimmy Photography.
Click here to watch the incredible try by one of our MRP Players; it is worthy of the cheer!