The big celebration of sports in Elche
In Elche, the inclusive rugby project led by the L’Alcudia Club Esportiu has continued its steady growth under the guidance of Thomas Espinosa. The initiative recently took a bold step beyond the local scene by traveling to Madrid to participate in a national tournament organized by the Spanish Federation, marking a significant milestone for the program. This event showcased how rugby can unite players of diverse backgrounds and abilities, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and community spirit across the country.
Teams from A Coruña, Valladolid, Valencia, Ávila, Cullera, Toledo, and Pamplona/Iruña gathered for a tournament that prioritized values over victory. The experience celebrated inclusivity, mutual respect, and the drive to improve, with every participant receiving a participation medal as a symbol of effort and cooperation. The gathering underscored the belief that sport can be a powerful vehicle for social inclusion and personal growth among youth and adults alike.
Family photos captured the moment, illustrating the shared pride and camaraderie among the diverse groups that took part. The event highlighted how inclusive rugby can bridge differences and foster lasting friendships among players, coaches, and families from across Spain.
According to Tomás Espinosa, for a newly established team like Elche Rugby Inclusivo, the trip to Madrid proved transformative. He noted that sharing the field with some of the strongest teams in the nation provided invaluable learning opportunities and real-world practice that will accelerate the team’s development. The experience reinforced the belief that growth happens when passion meets opportunity, and it demonstrated the potential for inclusive rugby to scale and inspire more communities to adopt similar models.
In addition to the tournament, a parallel program ran at TC facilities with the National Institute of Physical Education, Madrid. This program featured a series of lectures focused on inclusive rugby development, where representatives from the Elche Rugby Inclusivo Project took part in multiple presentations. The sessions offered insights into inclusive coaching methods, player development, and the social impact of sports programs designed to welcome participants of all abilities into the rugby community.
These activities, both on the field and in educational settings, reflect a broader commitment to accessible sport in the region. They demonstrate how structured programs can support not just competitive skill-building, but also the social and emotional growth of participants. The Madrid event and accompanying educational initiatives contribute to a growing national conversation about inclusive athletics and the role of clubs in fostering welcoming environments for everyone who loves the game.