THE game of rugby league is one that came be enjoyed by all people and the Stockland Ipswich Jets have recently been running a program to help with those with learning disabilities get involved in the game.
Members of the ALARA Association (which offers support and respite service for people with disabilities in the Ipswich and surrounding areas) have been training with the Jets for four weeks and will take on their carers/parents/staff in a touch football match soon.
Ipswich Jets chairman Steven Johnson said he was happy to have his club involved with the initiative.
At our Old Boys day in the last round, one of the moments of the day was to see Grant (Fullarton, captain of the ALARA team) run on to the field for the Jets Old Boys, he said.
The first time Grant got the ball, he chipped kicked over the defence, ran through and retrieved the ball, immediately chipped again which was caught by one of his own players who passed it back to him before he dived over to score a try.
As soon as he got up off the ground he kicked the ball into the crowd like an NRL star. It was one of the highlights of the day and brought the entire crowd to its feet ... with the odd tear of joyous pride!
Chairman of the QRL, Mr Peter Betros has thrown his support behind the initiative, as well as the many other community programs, and joined in the fun and presented the players with a State of Origin shirt and cap on behalf of the QRL.
ABC News recently ran a story about the teams preparations of the match and can be viewed here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-28/jets-level-the-playing-field-for-disability/4987230?section=qld
