Pembrokeshire's Mixed Ability rugby team, the Pembrokeshire Vikings, have been officially selected to compete at the Special Olympics International Flag Rugby Tournament in Paris this May - a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for the county.
The tournament, now in its 4th edition and organised by Special Olympics France in collaboration with Racing 92, takes place in Le Plessis-Robinson from Thursday 28th May to Sunday 31st May 2026. The Vikings will join 26 teams from across the world - including four to six European sides - competing in both traditional and unified formats in a celebration of inclusive sport.
For many of the squad's players, several of whom have overcome significant personal barriers to participate in rugby, the trip represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Representing not only Pembrokeshire but Wales and Great Britain on an international stage is something many of them never imagined possible. Mixed Ability rugby has given them confidence, a sense of belonging, and a purpose - and Paris will be the moment that journey truly goes global.
The tournament squad is made up of 13 members from the much larger Vikings mixed ability team, and as with any international trip, the costs involved are significant. The club is working hard to ensure that no player misses out due to financial circumstances, covering travel, accommodation, training support, and essential equipment.
To help make it happen, the Vikings have already received fantastic backing from local businesses - including Stix Noodle Bar, Haverfordwest's exciting new takeaway, and Solwr Wales, Pembrokeshire’s renewable energy experts, and PhysioFit West Wales - and they are hugely grateful for that support.
Now they are looking to bring more of the Pembrokeshire business community along for the journey.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at a range of levels, offering businesses visibility across the Vikings' channels and Connect: Pembrokeshire's social media platforms throughout the build-up to and duration of the tournament. Kit sponsorship is also available, with branding that will carry through into next season - giving sponsors long-term exposure well beyond Paris.
Whether through funding, kit sponsorship, or simply spreading the word, any support will make a direct and lasting difference to these athletes and their families.
To find out how your business can be part of the Vikings' Paris adventure, get in touch using one of the contacts below:
Gethin Bateman - 07553 548337
Andrew Meddings - 07580 983069
Email - pembrokeshirevikings@outlook.com
You can also directly contribute to the project, through using the link below or scanning the QR code on the attached poster (click to enlarge):
https://www.paypal.com/pool/9nMc48g6DF
