Leeds Rhinos Foundation is delighted to announce that we have extended our partnership with Aspire CBS to remain as the exclusive physical activity provider across their network of community hubs for a third consecutive year.
Aspire CBS are a social enterprise, working with over 1,000 people with learning disabilities across Leeds, supporting them to have better lives through the provision of high-quality, person-centred, care and support services.
During the last two years, Leeds Rhinos Foundation have worked with Aspire CBS to deliver a tailored programme of sports coaching throughout the city, helping customers to stay active and engaged whilst also providing them with opportunities to enjoy memorable experiences and make special memories.
Alongside the activity sessions, customers also receive advice on how to live a healthier life, focusing on the importance of fresh fruit and vegetables over sugary foods and drinks.
There has also been the opportunity to represent Leeds Rhinos in the Community Integrated Learning Disability Super League, which has enabled participants to play an adapted form of rugby league in front of thousands of spectators during showpiece events such as the Dacia Magic Weekend at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield Stadium and Grand Day Out in Blackpool.
Andy Rawnsley, Chief Executive of Aspire CBS, said: “We’re really excited about extending our partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation. Going into our third year, the focus will continue to be on health and wellbeing.
“It has been fantastic to see the people we support develop in confidence, health and fitness through participating in the accessible and interactive activities led by Ben Berry from the Foundation, whilst also having fun and creating memories. What started as a pilot project involving a dozen people has flourished beyond our expectations.
“We now support people to help them attend Leeds Rhinos matches, get involved in the Foundation’s ground-breaking Learning Disability Rugby League team and have even hosted our own Tag Rugby event at Emerald Headingley Stadium this year, which was a huge success.”
Ben Berry, Disability Co-ordinator for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, added: “I’m privileged to help continue this fantastic partnership with Aspire CBS.
“The experiences we have been able to provide throughout the past 12 months, especially since the launch of our Leeds Rhinos Learning Disability Rugby League team, far outweigh anything we’ve seen before and have made a real, positive difference to the lives of our players, boosting their confidence, social skills and fitness.
“Some of the guys are huge Rhinos fans, so the chance to represent the club, or engage in activities delivered by the Foundation, means so much to them, and you can see that in the way they apply themselves to the sessions, which is fantastic. Hopefully this will continue long into the future for many years to come.”
For more information, please contact ben.berry@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
Visit https://www.aspirecbs.org.uk.