Harlequins full-back Mike Brown believes the only way is up for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby after helping kick off the Aviva Community Fund.
A new nationwide initiative, the Aviva Community Fund offers support and funding of up to £25,000 to causes and projects that are put forward by the public.
It is no shock that the all-action Quins flyer is an ambassador for GB Wheelchair Rugby given the game’s fierce reputation.
There is also a reason closer to the heart for the 29-year-old’s affiliation with the organisation as his father has mild multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair on occasion.
And Brown says that any funding secured from the Aviva Community Fund could help push the sport forward and help bring new players to the fore.
“I got involved with GB Wheelchair Rugby a few years ago now and I’ve ended up being an ambassador for them,” he said.
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“There was a link with my dad because he sometimes has to use a wheelchair to get around because he has mild MS.
“Since then I’ve been helping them with various launches with the military and with the world wheelchair rugby championships that are coming up.
“It’s been good and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s brilliant to get involved in, I’ve had a few goes at it and really enjoyed it.
“I got battered around by the athletes which was great, but it’s great to watch, great to be a part of and hopefully more people will get involved.
“Things like the Aviva Community Fund are important to help fund charities like GB Wheelchair Rugby with all the support they need with kit and launching different things and helping with anything the charity needs to keep building and growing as much as they can.”
And with the Aviva Community Fund providing an opportunity to apply for funding, GB Wheelchair Rugby could receive some vital backing, which Brown believes shows the spirit of rugby is alive and well.
“It’s good to get people involved and help with everything. For me personally the rugby community is really important,” he added.
“I’ve grown up playing rugby and in terms of my development it was massive to have that community around me at Quins.
“I’ve seen the same with GB Wheelchair Rugby as well with their community and the work they have done with the military rehabilitation.
“It’s good that they’ve got that to help people get back into sport and enjoying their sport.”
Mike Brown was speaking about his support of GB Wheelchair Rugby at the Aviva Community Fund launch, a nationwide initiative from Aviva, title sponsor of Aviva Premiership Rugby, which offers support and funding to causes close to your heart. Visit aviva.co.uk/community-fund
