3 days ago
Here are the finalists for the most inclusive sports teams in York
YORK's most diverse and inclusive sports team is set to be crowned at the YO1 Radio Sports Awards.
Sponsored by The Press, the Diversity and Inclusivity award recognises and celebrates a club, organisation or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion within their sport, or physical activity.
The first of the five finalists for this award is an inclusive Dance studio: Derwent Dance. Teaching children a variety of different styles of dance from an early age, Derwent Dance offers opportunities for senior qualifications for dancers or all abilities.
Children continue to be at the centre of our next finalist, Football Fun Factory. More than 350 kids a week, with more than 100 of those having learning difficulties, have a place on the pitch. Specially trained coaches aid the diverse-range of players on hand at the Football Fun Factory, hosted in Huntington.
Our only individual finalist for the award is Joe Mckechnie, who coaches the pan-disability football team at York City FC. Also involved with the Cerebral Palsy team, Joe recently moved to Copmanthorpe to join the York City Foundation full time.
On the rugby pitch, North Yorkshire's first inclusive rugby union team is up-next. The York Railway Institute (RI) Templars play in global inclusive leagues, recently travelling to Paris to play during the Rugby World Cup.
One more rugby team completes our list of finalists: the York Knights Learning Disabilities Tag Rugby Team. Open to players with both physical and learning disabilities, players can represent their side at festivals and competitions - with all abilities encouraged.
