In a groundbreaking move for Colostomy UK - and what is thought to be a first a first for Ostomates - the charity has formed a Rugby League side - 'Team Colostomy UK'.
The team will be making its debut against the Medway Dragons Masters team as part of a brand new partnership with the Medway Dragons Rugby League Club.
'Team Colostomy UK' is represented by people from throughout the UK and is part of the Colostomy UK 'Active Ostomates' initiative which aims to spread awareness of both the charity and the condition, and to highlight that having a stoma isn't a barrier to being active and to playing the toughest of team sports.
Colostomy UK is a national charity that offers support and advice to people with a stoma.
Individuals with a stoma have had their bowel diverted through their abdomen so that bodily waste can pass into a stoma (colostomy) bag. This may be due to illnesses such as cancer, Crohn's disease or following trauma to the abdomen.
It's estimated one in every 500 people in the UK are affected.
The forthcoming Masters game will take place during the Colostomy UK Active Ostomates Day on July 21 at the Medway Dragons' Garrison Stadium home in Gillingham.
The day will include Primary Rugby League taster sessions for Boys and Girls aged 6 to 11 and a Medway Dragons v South London Chargers fixture.
We are proud to announce a new partnership with @medwaydragons Medway Dragons Rugby League Club with an exciting number of initiatives, including the launch of Team Colostomy UK RL, our very own Rugby League Team. Find out more....https://t.co/BzJkwXHfRD #ActiveOstomates pic.twitter.com/p8pQdX7amX
— ColostomyUK (@ColostomyUK) April 30, 2018
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Colostomy UK 50K Challenge - a six-month long initiative highlighting that having a stoma isn't a barrier to being active and achieving a target.
Admission to the Active Ostomates day is free of charge and further details can be found by contacting Colostomy UK on 0118 939 1537 or info@colostomyuk.org.
Commenting on the partnership, Mark Roughsedge from Medway Dragons said: "Medway Dragons takes its responsibility as a Community Sports Club very seriously.
"We believe that every member of the community should be able to access sport and physical activity. We are proud that a national charity like Colostomy UK has chosen us to become a partner for the 2018 season.
"Active Ostomates is a fantastic initiative and the kind of project that our club is proud to be associated with."
