A pioneering wheelchair rugby league coach from North Wales is one of seven sporting 'Game Changers' honoured as part of The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday celebrations.

Stephen Jones, Head Coach and Chairman of North Wales Wheelchair Rugby League & Disability Sports Club, is celebrated in one of seven verses that together form a powerful tribute crafted by world-renowned Scottish contemporary artist and poet Robert Montgomery.

Each verse, honouring a different 'Game Changer', has been unveiled at a significant sporting location across the UK. Jones's verse, recognising his ground breaking efforts to make wheelchair rugby league more accessible, was revealed at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. 

The unveiling of the complete poem across these venues was brought to life through a stirring recital by Clare Balding, one of Britain's most beloved sports broadcasters.

Balding's involvement not only celebrates these Game Changers but also spotlights the thousands of sporting projects nationwide that have flourished with National Lottery support, distributed through organisations like UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, sportscotland, and Sport Wales.

Claire Balding with Stephen Jones.Claire Balding with Stephen Jones. (Image: PA)

Jones's journey from player to community leader is truly inspiring. Since founding his club in April 2013, he has transformed wheelchair rugby league in North Wales, making it accessible to people of all abilities.

Under his guidance, the club has nurtured 16 international players and become a vital community hub, even expanding during the challenges of the pandemic.

National Lottery funding has been crucial to this success, providing essential equipment like sports wheelchairs. The club now boasts three teams competing in various leagues - a UK first - and has seen remarkable membership growth.

One touching example of the club's impact is the story of Ted, who joined at 13. Initially terrified of using a wheelchair due to his cerebral palsy, Ted has since blossomed into a Welsh international player - a testament to Jones's passionate belief in the power of disability sports.

Clare Balding said: “Sport is about so much more than winning a gold medal, it’s about the impact it has on our lives. That’s why I’m honoured to be a part of championing these seven outstanding people who have truly changed the game in their sports and communities. 

“The Game Changers exemplify the transformative power of sport – and the role The National Lottery has played in making their achievements possible has been vital."

Stephen Jones added: “I fell in love with wheelchair rugby league purely because it's so diverse. Anyone can play. It's totally inclusive at the moment. We've got an 11-year-old and a 70-year-old.

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"We've got a trans player, we've got amputees, we've got people like my son, who has epilepsy. I'm so passionate that we need sports for disabled people and with the help of National Lottery funding we’ve been able to move the dial on that significantly”

Brian Davies OBE, Chief Executive, Sport Wales, said: “The National Lottery's 30th Birthday is a significant milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past three decades.

"At Sport Wales we want to see a healthier and more active nation and would like every young person to have a great start in life so they can go on to enjoy a lifetime in sport. National Lottery funding has had a game changing impact on sport in Wales, helping us to create Olympic, Paralympic and world champions across many different disciplines.

"Stephen Jones is an inspirational game changer within rugby league in Wales and we congratulate him on this honour. Stephen and the rest of the Game Changers epitomise the power of sport and we are proud to honour their remarkable achievements, so beautifully reflected in Robert Montgomery's poem."

For more information visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers