GETTING to know the sport of rugby league in an inclusive environment was the focus at the Smashing the Barriers event at Flagstone on Saturday.
More than 50 children and adults, some with special needs, took part in the free League and Learn event which Flagstone Phoenix Brothers Rugby League Club hosted at Flagstone State School.
Deaf water polo champion Jamie-Lee Lewis, who now plays rugby sevens with the Queensland Reds, helped participants through some of the exercises.
Ms Lewis, 24, has overcome challenges involved with being profoundly deaf from the age of one and learning to live with a cochlear implant.
Ms Lewis, who is the daughter of rugby league legend Wally Lewis, said sport had always been an important part of her life despite the challenges she had faced.
"I've had my challenges through being deaf but it's never stopped me and I've never given up," she said.
"People bullied me at touch and asked why I was wearing head gear, because they thought I just wanted to be like my father, then I scored 10 tries and said 'who's laughing now'."
Ms Lewis said she was passionate about people with special needs having the opportunity to play sports.
"Being disabled shouldn't be an excuse so it's good to see the barriers being broken down," she said.
"My parents have always been a huge support to me and it's very important for parents to get in and support their kids, give them whichever opportunities in sport they can and just try to get them social in sport."
