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World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2015 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby stars Kylie Grimes, Mike Kerr, Chris Ryan and Bulbul Hussein today joined Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and Harlequins and England rugby star Mike Brown to announce the first World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, which will take place at London’s Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park between 11-16 October 2015 cementing the legacy of the 2012 Games.

As well as Great Britain, current Paralympic Gold Medal holders Australia and current World Champions USA will take part, along with teams from Canada, South Africa, Japan, France, and New Zealand.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:

I am delighted that the Copper Box will be hosting the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, which is surely one of the most terrifying and exhilarating sports on the planet. We have worked hard to ensure that all of our stunning 2012 venues have a long-term sporting future and this event will ensure that thousands of people can relive the golden memories of 2012 while enjoying another top-class sporting event. This event will also build on the work that we are doing with partners to encourage participation in sport, inspire change and improve lives. 2015 promises to be a fantastic year for rugby and this event, together with Rugby World Cup matches that will be played at the Olympic Stadium and Twickenham will cement London’s position as the greatest city on Earth for sport.

David Pond, Chief Executive of GBWR added:

We will be bringing together the top Wheelchair Rugby teams in the world for this exciting world challenge event, which will run alongside the IRB Rugby World Cup. Wheelchair Rugby caught the public’s imagination in London 2012 and this tournament will give them another chance to experience the excitement of the game with its speed, skill and big hits.

Mike Brown, who has amassed 26 caps for England and had a starring role in England’s recent Autumn Internationals and RBS 6 Nations picking up the coveted QBE Player of the Series Award and RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship Award, is an Ambassador for GBWR, primarily working with the GBWR military recovery unit programme.

Mike Brown commented:

I’m very proud to be an ambassador for GBWR and it’s fantastic that the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge will be taking place alongside the IRB Rugby World Cup, when the whole world will have its eyes on England and London. I was lucky enough to experience the electric atmosphere in the copper box during the London 2012 Paralympic Games and I’m really looking forward to catching some of the action next year.

For further information contact Simon Whittam via email or call 01752 262432.