A rugby enthusiast is to be recognised as part of Gallagher Premiership Rugby’s Community Weekend following his rapid rise through the disability rugby ranks.
As a student at Warmley Park School, 17-year-old Owen Lee initially struggled with social interactions and physical contact due to autism.
However, weekly Project Rugby sessions led by Bristol Bears’ Community Foundation have proved transformational as he found a welcoming environment where both his rugby skills and confidence developed.
Owen’s Project Rugby experience inspired him to join Kingswood RFC’s inclusive team, where he quickly became a key member and was presented with some incredible opportunities.
He represented Kingswood in Italy in an all-inclusive touch rugby tournament and even played at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final. These milestones have boosted his self-esteem and social skills, enabling him to maintain eye contact more comfortably and navigate physical contact.
Charlotte Heywood, Project Rugby Lead at Premiership Rugby said: "Owen’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact that community programmes like Project Rugby have on young people.
“By creating inclusive and supportive environments, the programme not only introduces young people to the game of rugby but empowers them to build confidence and unlock their full potential.
“Owen’s journey shows just how transformative sport can be and motivates us in our mission to use our rugby communities across our network of clubs to change lives for the better.”
Owen’s confidence now extends far beyond rugby. He represents Great Britain in Modern Pentathlon, competing internationally, and has set his sights on exploring coaching, goals supported by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation and Warmley Park School.
His story is one of many inspiring that will be highlighted during Community Weekend on Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby, celebrating the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its ten clubs and club foundations.
Andy Ferguson, Managing Director of Gallagher’s Bristol office, said: “Owen’s story is a fantastic example of how Project Rugby can enrich the lives of young people and provide them with new opportunities.
“Getting involved in the sport via Project Rugby has helped Owen gain confidence that he can use on and off the pitch, and this has encouraged him to compete in other sports. Gallagher is proud to support this programme which is teaching young people new skills and giving them a gateway into rugby.”
Project Rugby, delivered in partnership with Gallagher UK and the RFU, delivers fun, inclusive, non-contact sessions which help break down barriers to playing the sport with the aim of increasing participation, diversity and inclusion in the game.
Community staff and professional coaches at each of Premiership Rugby’s club foundations work closely within their communities to deliver regular sessions designed to engage participants no matter their age, background or ability, with more than 100,000 participants engaged since its launch in 2017.
To find your nearest Project Rugby session visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/community/project-rugby
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