US dinner to support UQ modified rugby plan

Young people with a disability and a passion for rugby will soon have the chance to play for the UQ Rugby Football Club , thanks to The University of Queensland's annual Rugby Benefit Dinner. Hosted by UQ's Faculty of Business, Economics and Law and The University of Queensland in America, the 1 November New York City dinner will raise funds for initiatives, including the club's bid to establish a modified rugby program in 2019. Modified rugby programs allow people with learning and perceptual disabilities to play via a program that meets their individual needs. Club President Michael Zaicek said the tight-knit UQ rugby family took pride in its diversity and inclusivity. "It's fantastic to see how rugby can make a difference in our players' lives, particularly young people with disabilities who enjoy the camaraderie and see their team mates as family," he said. "As a non-profit organisation that pours every cent into our teams and programs, funds raised at the benefit dinner allow us to invest in valuable initiatives such as the modified rugby program." The dinner will also raise funds for the sevens teams, the concussion management program, Play Rugby USA - a non-profit organisation that develops youth through rugby - and future recipients of the Mark Loane Medal. The medal is awarded annually to America's most outstanding high school rugby player, and enables the recipient to attend the UQ Rugby Academy and play with the club during the US summer break.