Armilla Hosts the I National Mixed Ability Rugby Championship
The competition, scheduled from May 8th to 10th, promotes inclusion through sport with the participation of eight teams from across Spain.
By Redacción La Voz de Andalucía
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of a rugby ball on grass, with blurred players in the background.
The town of Armilla is preparing to host the I Spanish Mixed Ability Rugby Championship (SMART 2026), a pioneering event that will bring together eight teams from across the country from May 8th to 10th, promoting inclusion and sports values.
The presentation of this championship, which combines sport, inclusion, and values through rugby practice, took place this Tuesday. The tournament is an initiative that seeks to highlight the role of sport as a tool for social integration.
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"The city hosts this event with the conviction that sport must serve for something more than just competing. It must serve to include, to open doors, and to ensure that no one is left behind. The Mixed Ability model is a clear example of this. People with and without disabilities share a team, share the game, and share objectives. Without differences, without labels. Playing together as just another team. That is true inclusion."
This event, expected to foster coexistence and strengthen the social fabric, projects an image of Armilla as a city committed to inclusion. The local club, Rugby Escoriones Armilla, has been fundamental in the organization, standing out for its passion, effort, and camaraderie.
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"Since we arrived in Armilla, you have accompanied, guided, and encouraged us, and that gives us a lot of strength. We are delighted to be able to hold this tournament. It will be the first national tournament of its kind in all of Europe. International tournaments have been held, but none at a national level, and the first will be here in Armilla. Men and women will be playing, without any limitations, with the same rugby rules, and all this, for what? So that integration becomes a reality."
Participating teams include Club Deportivo Marrajos from Almería, Club de Rugby San Isidro and Alcobendas Rugby Unión, both from Madrid, Iruña Rugby Club from Pamplona, and Club Rugby El Salvador from Valladolid. The main objectives of the championship are to promote real inclusion through sport, create social impact, give visibility to individuals, families, and associations, and foster values such as cooperation, respect, and equity.
The reception for the teams will take place on Friday, May 8th, with the competition commencing on May 9th and 10th at the Municipal Stadium of Armilla, involving nearly 200 athletes and numerous families.
