Wales Wheelchair Rugby League is asking 10,000 people to give £1 each and put CYMRU on the team’s World Cup shirts.
Wales Wheelchair Rugby League has launched a £10,000 appeal ahead of this autumn’s World Cup in Australia. The ‘10,000 for CYMRU’ campaign asks people in Wales and around the world to give just £1. Together, those donations will put CYMRU on the team’s shirts and help the squad compete on the world stage.
A Simple Idea: 10,000 People Giving £1
The campaign has a simple ambition: 10,000 people giving £1 each to help Cymru compete. A pound may seem a small amount on its own. However, together those pounds will make a huge difference to the team.
Organisers are calling on supporters across Wales, as well as fans around the world, to take part. Each donation helps put the word CYMRU on the front of the playing shirts. At the same time, the money helps cover the cost of preparing an elite squad for a major tournament.
For the players selected to represent Wales, this is about much more than a sporting event. Instead, it offers a chance to wear the red jersey and represent their communities. It also lets them showcase the strength, determination and talent of wheelchair rugby league in Wales.
The Real Cost of Competing in Australia
Taking a disability sport team to a World Cup in Australia comes with substantial costs. For example, the squad must pay for international travel, accommodation, vehicle hire and insurance. On top of that, the team needs training facilities along with playing and off-field kit.
Wheelchair rugby league also brings its own specific expenses. In particular, the team must cover excess wheelchair baggage, wheelchair maintenance and spare parts. Medical supplies add yet another essential cost.
All of these items are vital to help the squad compete safely and effectively. That’s why the team is asking communities, businesses, sports clubs and schools across Wales to get behind the appeal. Likewise, organisations and individuals can all play their part.
Why the Team Needs Your Help
Head coach Alan Caron explained what the tournament means to the squad. “Representing Wales on the world stage in Australia is an incredible honour, but the logistics of getting an elite wheelchair squad across the globe are immense,” he said. “Every single pound raised brings us closer to making sure our players have the exact training, equipment, and support they need to perform at their best.”
The appeal follows a major setback for the team’s funding. Sadly, a shirt sponsor pulled out at the last minute. “A front of shirt sponsor worth £10,000 was almost over the line, but sadly they withdrew at the last minute, leaving us with a significant gap in our funding,” Alan explained. “So, we thought we’d ask the public to put CYMRU on the front of the playing shirts.”
Put Yourself on the Shirt
In this way, the whole nation can become the team’s shirt sponsor. “This campaign is about bringing the nation with us,” said Alan. “Whether you donate a pound or share the link with your family and colleagues, you’re putting yourself right there on the shirt with us, the word CYMRU will be on the front of the shirt. We want to make Wales proud, and every bit of support helps us get one step closer to that goal.”
The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup runs from Friday 30 October to Friday 13 November. Better still, Premier Sports will broadcast every Wales match live in Wales. That means fans back home can cheer on the squad they helped get there.
To support the team, visit the 10,000 x £1 = CYMRU page on Crowdfunder. Even £1 will help cover the squad’s costs and put CYMRU on the shirt. Then, share the link and encourage friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Wales Wheelchair Rugby League’s World Cup appeal. Click here for more articles about rugby, including the team’s win in style earlier this year.
