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SPOTLIGHT ON JON DUTTON AND THE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2021
Using sport as a force for good RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2021 IS AIMING T O BE THE MOST INCLUSIVE EVER STAGED The Rugby League World Cup takes place in England later this year with 18 towns and cities across England hosting 16 men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight wheelchair teams. It is the first time in the World Cup’s history, and in any major team sport, where the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions will be held at the same time. As a values-led organisation, Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has four values that it operates by: to be bold and brave; authentic, inclusive and world-class. In terms of inclusivity, the first decision organisers made was to stage the three tournaments together and they are very clear on their ambitions in this area through their diversity and inclusion action plan - ‘The Power of Together’. Planning began for the World Cup back in 2015 with organisers looking to create a story that is bigger than the five weeks of games. They understand that they won’t get everything right but hope that other people will use what they have done and build on it. A large part of what is happening in terms of social impact is knowledge transfer to share experiences with others moving forward. RLWC2021 recognises that the dial is changing from events being measured predominantly from an economic perspective to now being measured from a social perspective.
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Social impact in sport is perhaps something that has been overlooked in the past but it is fast becoming much more important. It is now a key part of government policy, as well as UK Sport, Sport England and DCMS and will become more prevalent as the UK bids to host other international sporting events. If an event can use the power of sport to deliver social good, as well incredible sporting memories, that is a powerful proposition. RLWC2021 sees the tournament as a chance to make a difference and spread opportunity in the areas that it is reaching. RLWC2021 became the first major international sporting event to launch a Mental Fitness Charter back in January 2020. There is now a thriving mental fitness delivery programme run in partnership with Movember. As part of this, young people are being taught about the importance of looking after their own mental fitness and 8,000 workshops will be delivered to young rugby league players and their parents and families. A volunteering programme launched at the end of February will be inclusive and represent the local communities where games are being staged. RLWC2021 also has a Sustainability Charter, tracking the environmental, social and economic impact of the tournament. Coronavirus has impacted work on the mental fitness programme and engagement with schools but alternative methods have been used to keep activities going. Investment into grassroots rugby league facilities has continued at a pace with RLWC2021 awarding 150 grants into community projects, ranging from small to very
