Episode 38: Refereeing as a wheelchair user with MND - Graeme Bloom

About this episode

Graeme Bloom shares his journey as a rugby referee despite living with MND, discussing his experiences and ambitions in the sport.

Today, we're joined by Graeme Bloom - a unique person in the rugby refereeing community. Graeme's a keen supporter of match officials and, despite an MND diagnosis in 2019, he remains committed to staying involved in refereeing our great game. During the conversation we hear about his story and his ambitions to be a referee. We hear a little about his experiences in match officiating so far around the world. We also chat about what he's done since his diagnosis, and what he'd like to be doing while he's able. He's been a match official in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh and in Italy, as well as supporting referees in London, Oxfordshire, Bristol and Kent Referees' Societies. This weekend (12 August 2023) he arranged and hosted a charity match raising funds for the MND Association. Do support them if you're able. Links: Graeme - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemebloom/ Fundraiser website: https://www.rugby4mnd.co.uk/ Fundraiser link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/graemes-big-40-challenge   During the conversation we mention: Alex Lambe - Rugby referee with Autism: https://www.world.rugby/news/569717 & https://www.facebook.com/AutismInRugby/ Mixed Ability sport…

People in this episode

Host: RugbyReferee.net

Guest: Graeme Bloom

Topics covered

• rugby refereeing
• MND
• charity
• match officiating
• disability sports
• personal story

Keywords

• rugby
• referee
• MND
• charity match
• disability
• match officiating
• Graeme Bloom
• Alex Lambe
• mixed ability sport

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MND Association, RugbyReferee.net, Mixed Ability sport, International Mixed Ability Rugby

Places: Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, Italy, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Kent

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