Warrington Wolves and Community Integrated Care celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

The social care charity Community Integrated Care has teamed up with Warrington Wolves to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (Saturday 21 March) creating two special experiences for local people with Down syndrome – celebrating their lives, raising awareness and shining a spotlight on the challenge of loneliness.

People supported by Community Integrated Care in Warrington and participants in Warrington Wolves Foundation’s programmes were welcomed as VIP guests at Wolves’ team run training session on Thursday.

They met and played alongside first-team stars such as England internationals George Williams, Danny Walker and Ben Currie, chatted about the new Betfred Super League season and shared stories from their own lives.

To mark the occasion, the Warrington squad trained in both their home and away socks  – supporting Odd Socks, a global symbol of World Down Syndrome Day. 

People supported by the charity, alongside Warrington Wolves Foundation and Castleford Tigers Foundation participants – including players from their Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League teams – will also form a guard of honour at Saturday’s Super League fixture between the two clubs, leading their heroes onto the pitch.

Supporters attending the match are encouraged to wear Odd Socks to stand in solidarity, show visible support, and join the advocacy for a more inclusive society.

Community Integrated Care delivers around eight million hours of specialist care across the nation each year, and is a major care provider across Warrington – striving to support people to live the Best Life Possible.

Wolves hooker Walker, who is an ambassador for the charity and helped set up the Learning Disability Super League, said:

“Whenever we get Community Integrated Care involved, it’s always a special occasion. 

“The sun was out and it was a nice afternoon for everyone involved. 

“With Saturday being World Down Syndrome Day, wearing the odd socks is just a tiny thing we can do to spread awareness. It’s a small gesture but it can go a long way.”

World Down Syndrome Day raises awareness of the barriers people with Down syndrome can face, and the role we all play in building a society where everyone can live with equality, opportunity, and belonging. In 2026, the campaign particularly highlights the impact of loneliness.

Ian Toole, one of the participants on Thursday, said: “It was amazing to meet and play rugby league with the Warrington Wolves players. 

“I can’t wait to be part of the big Super League match.”

His support worker David Stuart added: “Experiences like this mean so much. 

“Ian was so excited the night before the training session. He loved meeting the players and being part of such an amazing event. 

“It is so special that Community Integrated Care and Warrington Wolves are raising awareness of World Down Syndrome Day – helping to inspire so many people and make dreams come true.”

Community Integrated Care is proudly the Official Social Care Partner of Rugby League, and this year celebrates a decade of impact with the game. It has worked closely with Wolves throughout this decade to deliver inclusive opportunities that build confidence, connection and community.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League enables people to live out the dream of playing for the clubs they love - supported by coaches, teammates and a community of friends.

The charity’s Inclusive Volunteering™ model, which has been supported by the club and its Foundation, enables people who draw on support to develop new skills and relationships through vocational experiences.  96% of participants report making new friends – demonstrating the power of belonging and shared purpose.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, admitted: “It feels especially fitting to celebrate Down Syndrome Day alongside Warrington Wolves - a club and Foundation we’ve worked with closely for many years to deliver truly transformative impacts.

“Through our decade of collaboration with Rugby League, working with partners like Warrington Wolves, we’ve challenged exclusion by creating life-changing opportunities, visible moments of pride and opportunities for people to be known for their potential, passions and voices – not the labels society can place on them. 

“We thank the leadership, coaching teams and players of Warrington Wolves, and their Foundation, for once again helping to make dreams come true, and for standing with our charity with this important advocacy.”