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Photo by: Shelley M. Szwast
Women’s Rugby Hosts Special Olympics Clinic
August 21, 2024 | Women's Rugby, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
PRINCETON, N.J. – The Princeton University women's rugby team kicked off the 2024-25 academic year with an Introduction to Rugby clinic with the Special Olympics.
Along with introducing participants to the basic laws of rugby, they learned how to properly pass a ball, went through a passing sequence and competed in a series of relay races running with the ball.
The session carried extra meaning for Ciara Loughran, whose brother, Matthew, has Down Syndrome. Over the summer, Ciara spent a lot of time throwing a rugby ball in the backyard with Matthew and introducing him to the sport. The sibling duo bonded over rugby.
"He immediately fell in love with the game, at least the tackling part of it, and I thought that a rugby clinic with Special Olympics would be a fun opportunity for the athletes," said Loughran. "While tackling was not included in this session, which disappointed Matthew, and believe me, and he made that very clear, it was such an uplifting way to kick off preseason. Many of my teammates were so excited to help and everyone did such a great job coaching."
Loughran's initiative in organizing the clinic and the team's enthusiasm in joining her has been an inspiration to the Princeton community.
"Ciara Loughran's dedication to organizing the Women's Rugby Special Olympics clinic shows the power of community and collaboration," said Princeton Associate Director of Athletics for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Miles Smith Jr. "This initiative provided a shared commitment among the team, demonstrating how coming together with consideration and cohesion can foster transformative experiences for all involved."
Volunteering at Special Olympics events has been a passion for Loughran and she hopes to continue the organization's partnership with the Princeton women's rugby team into the future.
"Over the years I have volunteered at many different events at Special Olympics," said Loughran. "Whether that is working at their summer camp, Camp Shriver, or reffing the annual soccer tournament, I have met so many incredible people while getting to do what I love - playing sports."
Gallery: (8-20-2024) Women's Rugby Special Olympics Clinic
Along with introducing participants to the basic laws of rugby, they learned how to properly pass a ball, went through a passing sequence and competed in a series of relay races running with the ball.
The session carried extra meaning for Ciara Loughran, whose brother, Matthew, has Down Syndrome. Over the summer, Ciara spent a lot of time throwing a rugby ball in the backyard with Matthew and introducing him to the sport. The sibling duo bonded over rugby.
"He immediately fell in love with the game, at least the tackling part of it, and I thought that a rugby clinic with Special Olympics would be a fun opportunity for the athletes," said Loughran. "While tackling was not included in this session, which disappointed Matthew, and believe me, and he made that very clear, it was such an uplifting way to kick off preseason. Many of my teammates were so excited to help and everyone did such a great job coaching."
Loughran's initiative in organizing the clinic and the team's enthusiasm in joining her has been an inspiration to the Princeton community.
"Ciara Loughran's dedication to organizing the Women's Rugby Special Olympics clinic shows the power of community and collaboration," said Princeton Associate Director of Athletics for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Miles Smith Jr. "This initiative provided a shared commitment among the team, demonstrating how coming together with consideration and cohesion can foster transformative experiences for all involved."
Volunteering at Special Olympics events has been a passion for Loughran and she hopes to continue the organization's partnership with the Princeton women's rugby team into the future.
"Over the years I have volunteered at many different events at Special Olympics," said Loughran. "Whether that is working at their summer camp, Camp Shriver, or reffing the annual soccer tournament, I have met so many incredible people while getting to do what I love - playing sports."
Players Mentioned
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