To celebrate Disability Awareness Week, a number of individuals close to the club’s heart delivered the match ball ahead of Sunday’s clash with Swinton Lions.
On behalf of our Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) team and new Wheelchair Rugby League team, LDSL coach Chris Whittle, LDSL player Dylan Bunting and Ian and Leanne from Mersey Storm wheelchair were tasked with delivering the ball to referee Scott Mikalauskas.
Chris Whittle is a lifelong Widnes Fan, season ticket holder and huge supporter of Vikings Sports Foundation.
While Chris was attending Walking Rugby, he noticed the LDSL training and seeing how much fun both the players and staff had during sessions, decided to volunteer.
SHOP NOW: Vikings merchandise
Since then, he has been assisting with coaching LDSL for the last five years, attending training and any festivals that Widnes are involved in.
Dylan Bunting, meanwhile, is 20 years old and one the stars of the Vikings’ LDSL team.
He was diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age and was introduced to rugby league at the age of four, quickly becoming a big fan of the Vikings.
Dylan joined the LDSL team in 2019 and since then he has excelled, improving his confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
He made his LDSL debut at Anfield, scoring his very first try. And in November 2022, Dylan was given the opportunity to participate in work experience at the Vikings Sports Foundation.
Last week, he was selected as the primary beneficiary of the RFL’s highly prestigious Matt King Educational Bursary.
JOIN US: Karalius Suite hospitality
Also delivering the matchball were Ian and Leanne from Mersey Storm Wheelchair Rugby League, who were formed in 2009 under the name Mersey Vikings by the committee of Trust In Widnes Fans Group.
The main people behind the clubs formation were the husband and wife team (and massive Widnes fans) Elizabeth and Stephen Hindley, and over the years the team has made a positive impact on many local community members.
The delivery of the ball is part of a new initiative by the Vikings which will continue to happen at every home game to recognise outstanding contributions to the club and its community.
Prior to Sunday, the most recent Community Champion was Tony Spruce, AKA Kemik the Viking, who delivered the ball ahead of our recent fixture against London Broncos.
Visit our online club shop to buy the latest Vikings merchandise!
