CAPTAIN of Melksham Stags RFC Mixed Ability team, Tim Beale, was crowned Rugby Ambassador of the Year 2022 at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards.
At the ceremony, held at the House of Commons this month and attended by MPs and stars from Premiership teams, Tim was recognised for overcoming physical and social barriers to become involved in the game whilst embodying the values of rugby.
The Parliamentary Awards are a celebration of the work of Premiership Rugby and its clubs, in tackling inequalities and working to ensure that all young people, no matter what their background or ability, have equal access to sporting opportunities.
A spokesperson for Bath Rugby Foundation said, “In September last year Bath Rugby Foundation visited the specialist college Tim attends to run a Project Rugby session. Tim, who has Down Syndrome, struggled at first as his sensitivities left him not wanting to be tagged or even pick up the ball. Fast forward to today, and Tim is now captain of Melksham Stags RFC Mixed Ability Team, tackling and scoring tries regularly and leading by example.
“With self-belief and confidence at an all-time high, Tim can do everything from kicking conversions and scoring winning tries. Socialising and being physically active on a weekly basis brought about changes in Tim that are unrecognisable to his parents. Growing up Tim had seen the interest his dad had in rugby but never wanted to play, now his team are planning a fixture so Tim can play rugby against his dad.”
About Tim’s journey, CEO of Bath Rugby, Lynne Fernquest, said “The biggest difference in Tim is his communication and confidence. He’s tackled the barriers of being shy and lacking confidence to now leading a team. He has opened the eyes of other people with disabilities to know that they can get involved in rugby, that you can be involved no matter your ability or disability. He’ll be really proud to have won this award.”
Premiership Rugby’s community and CSR director, Wayne Morris, adds, “Tim’s story is one that makes me smile and we are honoured to be able to recognise dedication to rugby today. His story shows that we are right to believe that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential. Tim has come so far personally and this is all thanks to finding a love of rugby.”
Melksham Stags train every Monday 7pm-8pm at Melksham Rugby Club. If you’d like to join or are interested to hear more, please contact either Melksham Stags coach, Alex Rendall, on alex.randall@bathrugbyfoundation.com; or Melksham Stags player/coach, Jeremy Flower, on jez-jvs@hotmail.co.uk; or just turn up to one of their sessions.
