Thursday: Beyond Rugby Championship Event
Beyond Rugby Bermuda will hold a Rugby Championship event on Thursday, March 19th at the Saltus School Senior Field from 4pm-6pm, with athletes from middle and secondary school levels to take part.
This programme combines rugby with other ways to support healthy youth development, and helps young people to develop good character and succeed in school while having fun and staying fit. The group offers daily homework support and a meal after practice to make it all work.
Darren Woods, Family Centre Community Support Worker says, “The Beyond Rugby Program aims to help young people reach their full potential on and off the rugby field. Students learn how to show up at their best when things are going their way and when things aren’t going their way and that success comes through hard work. To support student success we aim to build a community of positive adults around them to help them improve their grades, make positive choices and open doors to different opportunities on and off the field.”
John Layfield, founder of Beyond Rugby Bermuda added, “Our approach is to use the game and our time together to build loyalty to one another and redirect frustration and aggression through the shared values of discipline, teamwork and respect.” Beyond Rugby Bermuda is a partnership between the Bermuda Rugby Football Union and Family Centre.
Mr. Mike Cain, recently appointed CEO of Aspen Re said “We are delighted to continue our support of Beyond Rugby Bermuda and would like to congratulate The Family Centre and Beyond Rugby Bermuda for their tremendous success with this important programme”.
Martha Dismont, Family Centre Executive Director said, “We have seen first-hand the difference Beyond Rugby is making in the lives of Bermuda’s youth and express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of the donors who have sponsored the programme over the past few years. I look forward to celebrating with them at what should be a very successful Championship Day.”
Mr. Jeff Sangster, CFO, Validus Holdings commented, “Validus is proud to be a supporter of Beyond Rugby since the inception of the program. The 4th Annual Beyond Rugby Championship will be another exciting event and we are thrilled to be participating.”
The founding sponsors of this innovative programme are Aspen Bermuda Limited and Validus Reinsurance Ltd, who are inviting the public to join them in supporting this great cause.
Bermuda School Rugby Champions will be crowned at this annual event. Middle school teams will be playing for the Aspen/Validus Bermuda Middle Schools Rugby Championship Plaque, while Secondary school teams will be playing for the Aspen/Validus Bermuda High Schools Rugby Championship Plaque.
Two MVP awards will be presented to outstanding players in the 2015 championship tournament.
- The Malcolm K. Outerbridge Jr. trophy -This award was created by Fairmont Hotels and the Outerbridge family in honour of Malcolm K. Outerbridge Jr, a positive young man who tragically lost his life.
- The Devrae Noel-Simmons trophy –In honour of the deceased life-time athlete, who played for the Teacher’s Rugby Football Club, and coached the Bermuda Rugby Football Union’s Under 14 and Under 16 National Teams.
Participating Middle Schools are Sandy’s Middle School, Dellwood Middle School, TN Tatem and Whitney Institute. Participating High Schools include Bermuda Institute, Warwick Academy, Saltus, CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute.
Beyond rugby is a fantastic program for boys and girls of all ages and abilities. I have watched my son learn the sport and also learn sportsmanship and respect for his fellow players,referees and coaches which was something that was really lacking in football/soccer. The organizers and coaches have done a tremendous job of promoting and teaching the game of rugby and I look forward to it growing even more in the future.
Good on you Patrick and Gareth