July 22nd, 2021

(WHITBY, ON) - Rugby Ontario is pleased to formally announce the introduction of Mixed Ability Rugby to our membership. In partnership with Abilities Centre, we are working to eliminate barriers to sport participation for individuals across the province through the implementation of Mixed Ability Rugby.

Mixed Ability Rugby offers an inclusive approach to the game of rugby welcoming players of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and experiences into a mainstream sport setting in their local communities playing non-adapted sports. Mixed Ability Rugby follows the traditional game of rugby with minor variations to support mass participation.

Aligning with the core values of rugby, Mixed Ability Rugby fosters the nature of our game and provides another opportunity for clubs to immerse themselves, and interact with, their local community. 

Through funding support from the Government of Canada (Sport Innovation Funding), Mixed Ability Rugby is currently being piloted at four rugby clubs across the province. The Oshawa Vikings, London St. Georges, Burlington Centaurs, and Muddy York participated in a Mixed Ability Sport Coach Certification throughout the spring and are now offering programming within their respective communities. 

Rugby Ontario and Abilities Centre want to acknowledge the incredible work being done by stakeholders across the province dedicated to removing barriers to sport participation. Together, our goal is to work with existing clubs and organizations to increase their capacity and grow opportunities across the province.

In February 2020, Abilities Centre signed a partnership with International Mixed Ability Sport (IMAS) to govern the education, training and advocacy of Mixed Ability Sport in Canada. Through this partnership, we are following international provisions set out by IMAS specific to Mixed Ability Rugby in order to create a common understanding of how Mixed Ability Rugby can be played. Abilities Centre and Rugby Ontario are developing training and education sessions and resources to support the introduction and implementation of Mixed Ability Rugby specific to the Canadian context. With this training and the connection to international partners following the same methodology, there are opportunities to connect with individuals from across the world in training, competition and social events linked to Mixed Ability Rugby and Mixed Ability Sport as a whole.

“Abilities Centre is thrilled to continue our partnership with Rugby Ontario as we collaborate on and advocate for a radical change in the way we think of community sports,” said Stuart McReynolds, President and CEO of the Abilities Centre. “With the support of Rugby Ontario member clubs, creating opportunities for individuals to join existing club programs regardless of age, ability, background, or experience, we are able to share the incredible sport culture that rugby brings and create opportunities for mass participation in rugby, making it a vehicle for long lasting social inclusion.” 

 The pilot program, which has been limited to the four pilot clubs, is the first phase of Rugby Ontario’s roll out of Mixed Ability Rugby. This will allow Rugby Ontario and the Abilities Centre the opportunity to ensure a successful delivery of the program, collect critical feedback and develop best practices that will help better support clubs and their participants in the future. 

Rugby Ontario has launched a Mixed Ability Rugby webpage with efforts to showcase the work that has been done leading up to the launch of the pilot program. The webpage includes an explanation of what Mixed Ability Rugby and Sport is and Rugby Ontario’s journey with Mixed Ability Sport. Please visit our Mixed Ability Rugby webpage to learn more about the program and how Rugby Ontario can support clubs wishing to host the program. To access the Mixed Ability Rugby webpage from the homepage, click on the Club Info tab on the menu bar. 

As our collaboration with Abilities Centre continues, additional opportunities for Mixed Ability Sport Coach Certification will be available for Rugby Ontario coaches and members clubs interested in expanding their club offerings through Mixed Ability Rugby.  Rugby Ontario is accepting expressions of interest from rugby clubs to prepare for a broader roll out of Mixed Ability Rugby programs across the province. 

Please contact us at mixedability@rugbyontario.com, and our team will work with you to develop a timeline to ensure your club is prepared to deliver a successful program.