The Paralympics captivated the nation and now Rochdale gets its own taste of Rio as the thrills and spills of wheelchair rugby league come to town.
Some of the best players in the land will showcase their skills as the four home nations battle it out for the National Cup at Kingsway Park School this weekend.
Olympic fever has clearly gripped the borough, with tickets for the eagerly anticipated event selling quickly. The opening ceremony is at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday evening, followed by two days of spectacular sporting action, which will be streamed live across the country, as Rochdale’s sporting profile continues to blossom.
The tournament has been organised by Rugby Football League, Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League and Wigan and Leigh Wheelchair Rugby League.
It caps a brilliant week for the Hornets, after they sealed promotion to Rugby League’s Championship following a dramatic 24-22 victory in Toulouse.
Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for sport, said: “It’s fantastic that such a prestigious event is being held in Rochdale. The Paralympics really gripped the nation, so I’m sure the Kingsway Sports Centre will be packed to the rafters.”
Councillor Alan McCarthy, the council’s Armed Forces lead member, said: “I am delighted the council’s armed forces team helped secure funding for the tournament. To host this event can only inspire people to engage in sporting events regardless of ability or disability.”
Tickets and tournament details
