Webb Ellis Cup to visit Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour
On Saturday 22 August 2015 rugby’s greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement as part of a 100 day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour around the UK.
Starting on Wednesday 10 June, 100 days before the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2015, the Webb Ellis Cup will travel around Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England before arriving at Twickenham Stadium on Friday 18 September for the opening ceremony.
WheelPower, the National Disability Sport Organisation for wheelchair sport is delighted to announce that as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Stoke Mandeville Stadium. The Trophy Tour aims to engage fans and give them the opportunity to build unforgettable memories as part of their own Rugby World Cup 2015 story.
Chief Executive of WheelPower, Martin McElhatton has been active in securing the trophy’s visit to the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. He said:
'Stoke Mandeville Stadium has become a world famous venue for its role in the development of the Paralympic Games. WheelPower are incredibly honoured that Rugby World Cup have chosen our venue for the Webb Ellis Trophy Tour.'
In build up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 and as part of the Trophy's visit to Stoke Mandeville Stadium, WheelPower will be hosting a rugby festival on Saturday 22 August, offering local people the opportunity to have a go at wheelchair rugby. Martin is confident the activities will have a great impact on the community:
'As the national charity for wheelchair sport, WheelPower enables around 38,000 disabled people per year to play sport at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Our involvement with another worldwide sporting event will help promote sporting opportunities that are available to the community.
'In partnership with GB Wheelchair Rugby and Aylesbury Wheelchair Rugby club, have a go sessions in the Paralympic sport will be on offer. We expect this be a real benefit for the community, and help us on our mission to transform lives through sport.'
Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive Officer of England Rugby 2015 said:
'With less than six months to go we are delighted to announce that Stoke Mandeville Stadium will host the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour on its 100 day journey across the UK and Ireland.'
Rugby is at the heart of the Trophy Tour engaging with over 100 rugby clubs, organisations and rugby festivals, from grassroots to elite. In addition host cities, match venues, community and legacy programmes, sports events, stakeholder visits, Worldwide Partner activations and iconic landmarks will feature as part of the Trophy Tour with over 300 events programmed across the 100 days.
For more information about the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour click here.
