Transcript

CHRIS PENNELL:

So I'm a professional rugby player, is that what you mean by that?

[LAUGHTER]

So. I'm type 1 diabetic. And I was diagnosed 11 years ago, just over.

SPEAKER 2:

Here today because Chris is doing the rugby academy for our area.

CHRIS PENNELL:

So the idea behind it is to get local kids with type 1 diabetes playing sport, having fun, making friends that they wouldn't necessarily get the opportunity to make.

SPEAKER 2:

It gets them active. It gets them to know, where the children with type 1 to know that they're not the only ones.

SPEAKER 3:

I wanted to learn how to actually play and stuff.

SPEAKER 4:

And I really wanted to come to meet more friends who are diabetic. And we could talk about our feelings.

CHRIS PENNELL:

So kids that are in the exact same position they're in can share stories, can share advice. They can run off and test their blood and not be worried about being judged.

SPEAKER 5:

When you are having a hard time, you can go and ask them how, what are they doing.

SPEAKER 6:

I've met lots of parents, got excellent recipes as well. So it's just been really a great experience for us.