A SPECIAL trophy is being created to recognise the spirit of teams taking part in the first international mixed-ability rugby tournament being held in Bingley this summer.

Trophy designer Sean Gardner has been commissioned by International Mixed Ability Sports, which is organising the inaugural competition involving ten nations over five days in August.

The event is being held at Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club in Bingley - the home of the Bumble Bees, England's first mixed-ability rugby team.

The Spirit of Mixed Ability Rugby trophy will be awarded to the team which encompasses the spirit of the tournament by encouraging their players to be their best, whatever their ability.

Director of IMAS and Bumble Bees manager Mark Goodwin said: "The Spirit of Mixed Ability Rugby Trophy is not the traditional first past the post winning trophy, it will be the trophy which signifies the team who have most involved and encouraged all of their players whatever their ability to achieve their personal best.

"Referees and match officials at the tournament in addition to keeping score, will award ‘facilitating’ points to teams at the pool stages of the tournament.”

Mr Goodwin, who recently won the National Learning Disability and Autism sporting chance award, added: "The Spirit of Mixed Ability Trophy will be awarded at each future tournament across the globe and adds an extra dimension to the game and who is perceived as a winner. Sean has a track record of taking scrap metal and turning it into unique and very substantial rugby trophies."

Mr Gardner, who is also a Bumble Bees player, will be showing some of his work at an exhibition in Leeds prior to the Rugby World Cup in September.

Organisers of the tournament, which will involve 400 players, believe it will cost £300,000 to stage and are currently raising the funds required.

A crowdfunding bid aiming to raise £50,000 online by June 22, in order to provide accommodation and hospitality at the University of Bradford, has now hit the £11,000 mark.

In addition tournament patron, former sports minister and retired Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, is hosting a gala dinner on Friday, July 3, at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel in Bingley. Tickets cost £750 per table of ten.

Organisers are also looking for a main sponsor for the tournament, which runs from August 17-21, to help raise cash for player meals, transport and public liability insurance, as well as local businesses who want to advertise at the ground.

Pledges can be made via crowdfunder.co.uk and tickets for the gala dinner are available from Mr Sutcliffe by email on gerrysut@hotmail.co.uk. Visit mixedabilitysports.org or call Mr Goodwin on 07914 345004 to find out more.