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Two members of Wales’ wheelchair rugby league squad are looking for sponsorship ahead of their trip to face the USA in February.
Alex Powell from Penpedairheol, and Ian Golden from Caerphilly, will be travelling with Wales’ wheelchair rugby league side to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, where the Welsh will be taking on the US national side in two full international matches on February 2 and 3.
Powell, 29, is a player and has been capped just the once for Wales so far after starting to play wheelchair rugby league for Torfaen Tigers last year.
A former rugby union youth player with Nelson and the Dragons, Powell used to play alongside former Bedwas RFC and Dragons player, Jack Dixon, before an injury to his right leg broke his tibia and fibia.
In 2019, Powell was run over by a car and fractured his ankle in three places. After the accident, he developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, which means he now walks with a stick.
In addition to playing wheelchair rugby league for Torfaen Tigers, he also turns out for the Dragons in their version of wheelchair rugby.
Speaking about his love for rugby, Powell said: “I wanted to be part of a team again. I was lucky enough to find my local wheelchair rugby team and I gave it a go. I haven’t looked back since.
“I wanted to play for Wales and I’ve always wanted to score at the Principality Stadium. I’ve done both now thanks to playing wheelchair sport.
“I’m absolutely honoured to represent my country and go to the USA as it’s always been a dream of mine to go there. So it’s even better that I get to go and represent Wales.
“After sustaining my injury, I lost hope and the opportunity to play competitive sport. I lost a lot of confidence in myself after that, so wheelchair sport has helped me get some of that back and find my voice again.”
Ian Golden, 52, is autistic and also has Wales wheelchair rugby to thank for accepting him. After initially getting involved with the side a few years ago, he became the media manager during the World Cup in 2022.
Golden has written reports and news releases for Wales Rugby League for more than 20 years and holds a part-time position at the organisation. But he, like all of the other players and staff members, has to raise his airfare.
He said: “I know my autism has lost me work and friends over the years, including in the world of sport. I think a lot of this is because I wasn’t officially diagnosed until earlier this year and people didn’t understand me. Had I been diagnosed earlier, perhaps it would have helped me in life.
“The staff at the Wales wheelchair side have accepted me more than anyone else ever has in my working life, and for that I’m grateful. It’s a pleasure to write about them and I’m looking forward to doing that in the USA.”
The pair are looking to raise £800 each to cover the cost of their flights, with accommodation already in place.
If any person or business would like to sponsor the duo, please email ian.golden@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.
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