Manitou Australia partners with Modified Rugby Program

Manitou Australia has announced its new partnership with GingerCloud Foundation, through which it will support the growth of the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) for the next three years.
The partnership is aimed at creating long-term pathways for inclusion for children with learning and perceptual disabilities through the MRP, in alignment with Manitou Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.
“GingerCloud’s vision through the MRP to move children off the sidelines and into the main game of rugby and life is a great alignment with Manitou’s values and our CSR programs,” said Stuart Walker, Managing Director, Manitou Australia.
“Manitou is a true Australian market and world leader and in association with our national dealer network and staff, we hope we can play a role in spreading the message of inclusion, belonging and success through the MRP,” he added.
Megan Elliott, Managing Director, GingerCloud, said Manitou’s commitment to the MRP shows how corporate Australia can join forces with innovative, grass-roots community programs to create real long-term social change.
“As the MRP is all about creating a world where children like our son Max and their families can feel safe, a sense of belonging and add value to their communities, we are so proud that an organisation like Manitou with its strong family value set fostered by the Braud family, has chosen to support our vision,” said Elliott.
“We are changing the world’s perception of children with learning and perceptual disabilities one rugby club at a time and we are so proud that Manitou will be right there beside us.”
In 2017, the MRP will be endorsed by the Australian Rugby Union as a new division of rugby in Australia and was recognised in 2016 by World Rugby as a Finalist in the Global Rugby Character Award in London.
Since its pilot in 2014 with one team of 16 participants at Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane, the MRP has grown to include 12 teams of more than 180 participants across South East Qld in three divisions in 2017: the Modified Rugby Program, the MRP 7s and the MRP Colts pilot at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club in Brisbane.