Matt Heavens created the Media Unified Rugby team so teenagers and young adults of all abilities would be able to explore the game.
Heavens grew up with his brother, Mark, who was born with Down syndrome and saw how little access he had to athletic opportunities, writes Gabriella Galati for 6abc.
“Any sport is difficult for this community to come and play,” Matt said. “It’s a lot of new friends and action. And then it’s a sport they’ve never seen. And the desire, and the willingness to capture the game, they’re incredible.”
It’s one of only a few teams like it in the country. The team practices in the fall and spring, encouraged by crowds of friends and family who cheer them on.
Riley Vetter, who has been with the club for two years, describes the team as being like family, “and it’s really fun.”
Frances Williams is thrilled with the community surrounding the rugby team. She brings her son, Danny, to practice every week.
“Access is huge because there’s so many places that Danny can’t go,” Williams said. “It’s maybe too loud, it’s too crowded, there are kids of different abilities. Here, he’s more with his peers.”
Read more about Media Unified and the difference the team has made at 6abc.
