Dartford wheelchair rugby club shows off new equipment

A wheelchair rugby club welcomed delegates to the unveiling of new equipment and storage unit.

Dartford council leader, Cllr Jeremy Kite, representatives of Wooden Spoon, a children’s rugby charity and supporters of The Argonauts Wheelchair Sports Charity were on hand to watch their team and see their 10 new sporting wheelchairs, which cost £11,000, in action.

The Argonauts, who play in the Sports Hall at Fairfield Leisure Centre, Lowfield Street, Dartford, was provided with a storage container by Dartford council while funds to purchase the wheelchairs were donated by Wooden Spoon.

Cllr Kite said: "It is always a pleasure to visit The Argonauts when they get together at Fairfield.

“I can’t imagine that the phrase level playing field has ever been more appropriate than when it’s applied to the activities of this amazing group of people.

“The encouragement they give to disabled and able-bodied athletes to compete together has created a club with a great atmosphere.

“I’ve had the pleasure to meet many of its players and volunteers and know how important it is to them.

“Every member’s story is different but for some who have experienced life-changing injuries the opportunity to once again take part in competitive sport makes a huge difference.

“Like any close-knit sports club, there’s a cracking social side to their activities and it’s that which makes The Argonauts such a great and happy club.

“I’m pleased that Dartford Council has been able to support them over their early years and I am enormously proud of my association with them."

Chairman, John Davis-Ashdown said: “A key strength of what the The Argonauts Wheelchair Sports Charity do is to mix together disabled and able bodied people on a level playing field.

“The players all learn from each other and socialise together.

“It breaks down the barriers in society and makes a real difference to peoples' lives.

“Personal fitness is dramatically improved as well as making strong friendships with the team mates”.

Matt Mitchell, the National Rugby Manager at Wooden Spoon said: "It was great to see the club and members in action especially with the new chairs provided by us.

“Funding projects that improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children, this is what we do at Wooden Spoon.”