A FUNDRAISING gala dinner in aid of the first ever international mixed ability rugby tournament included the government minister for disabled people among its special guests.

Newly-appointed minister Justin Tomlinson joined hundreds of supporters of the unique event at a champagne reception, meal and entertainment at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel, Bingley, last night.

The inaugural competition involves 12 teams from ten nations over five days and starts on Monday, August 17, at Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club in Bingley - the home of the Bumble Bees, England's first mixed ability rugby team.

Last night's event was organised by the tournament's patrons, former sports minister and retired MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Shipley MP Philip Davies, who was unfortunately unable to attend.

Minister Mr Tomlinson said before the event: "I’m passionate about sport, and I’m passionate about enabling more disabled people to participate at any level whether they are competitors, spectators, volunteers or workers.

"We know that participation in sport is a positive thing and it’s important that disabled people have the chance to develop the sort of confidence and skills that will benefit them in the employment market.

"That’s why I am particularly happy to have the opportunity to support the Mixed Ability Rugby tournament.

"I welcome their mission to break down barriers between disabled and non-disabled players, to raise disability awareness, to provide guidance and resources, and to work at all levels – from grassroots to national."

Mr Davies, who arranged for Mr Tomlinson to attend, said he was sadly booked elsewhere last night.

"But the credit for organising tonight has to go to Gerry," he said.

"It's fantastic the tournament is going to be in Bingley and everybody who's seen mixed ability rugby is really impressed, just as I've been."

Bumbles manager and event director Mark Goodwin said they had been helped all the way create what may become a regular international competition.

"It's been fantastic support from all political parties both here in Bradford and nationally," Mr Goodwin said.

"And when it comes to the tournament itself it's all about getting people with disabilities to come down and get involved.

"We have got extra special toilets provided and also improved wheelchair access around the pitches," Mr Goodwin said.

Teams will be coming from as far as Argentina and other countries include the six nations, Belgium, Serbia and Spain, said Martino Corazza, the Bumbles international co-ordinator.

"Serbia has a very good team, and Spain is involved as they have very good educational projects involving people with Downe's Syndrome," Mr Corazza said.

Bumbles coach Dan Cookson said excitement was growing at club as the tournament draws near.

"It's really building amongst all the players and there are more people coming along to find out about playing.

"We've now got over 30 adult players turning up every week including one, Kev, who has Downe's Syndrome and is 48 and another lad Jim, who's just turned 60."

The tournament has support from the Rugby Football Union, which is supplying coaching staff, match officials, post protectors, balls and the man of the match trophies.