Inspirational Rob Camm honoured at Premiership Parliamentary Awards

Now for the Special Recognition Award 🎇

For their long-standing commitment to changing lives in their community, this goes to @BristolBears' Rob Camm 🏆#RugbyChangingLives pic.twitter.com/ZCNaOvJJOa

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) July 12, 2022

Rob Camm, 27, was presented with the Special Recognition Award for contribution to the Bristol Bear’s Foundation wheelchair rugby team, proving that rugby is a sport for all no matter a person’s ability or disability.

The Parliamentary Awards, returning after a 2 year hiatus due to the pandemic, saw a crowded terrace at the House of Commons celebrate the achievements of five inspirational individuals. Each has either personally benefitted from, or helped deliver, Premiership Rugby’s community programmes which are designed to provide sporting opportunities to young people, no matter their background or ability, so they can fulfil their potential.

Rob was left paralysed from the neck down after a car accident at 19 years old just prior to starting University in Bristol. In a story of sensational determination and mental resilience, Rob’s used his love of rugby to adjust to a new way of living, and to help others.

With improved independence learning to drive a motorised wheelchair using only his chin, Rob found the strength and confidence to return to the Bristol Bears Foundation. Here his has risen to become the now highly regarded Head Coach for Bristol Bears Wheelchair Rugby Club.

A truly exceptional leader in every sense Rob studied for GB Wheelchair Rugby coaching qualifications alongside his law degree. He is a role model and inspiration for the clubs’ supporters and the wheelchair rugby players who he encourages by delivering weekly engaging and progressive training sessions catering for every ability and disability. Not only has Rob improved the lives of the players he interacts with, proving that anything is possible, he has enriched the lives of his father and two care assistant who have also become immersed in the sport,  embracing the rugby community.

Wayne Morris, Premiership Rugby Community & CSR Director said of Rob’s story, ‘It is awe-inspiring what Rob has done to motivate others. Despite his own set-backs, he has been able to carve out a career not only in law but developed a unique coaching style that deserves recognition. What Rob has done for Wheelchair Rugby at Bristol is exemplary. He has set the benchmark for how to grow participation, pathways to competition and additional enrichment opportunities for wheelchair rugby players. He is becoming renowned amongst players and coaching peers across the country as the best of the best.”

Craig Capel, Community Development Manager, Bristol Bears Community Foundation added “There is no better example of someone who is the heart of our rugby club than Rob, he is so valuable to our team and we delighted that he has been recognised with this award. His physical challenges haven’t limited him. He gives so much back to the club which at the same time I know also makes him stronger and happier too. He’s a really progressive coach, solving problems that I am sure will take our team far.’

Every week he consistently demonstrates his commitment to making sustainable changes at the club that strengthen him personally alongside giving back an unfathomable amount to his local community.

Other awards being presented at the ceremony, attended by MPs and stars from Premiership Rugby teams, included Rugby Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Achiever of the Year, Community Coach of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year.

Visit www.premiershiprugby.com/community for more information on community programmes

Join in the conversation via the hashtag #RugbyChangingLives