OSHAWA, Ont. - The Oshawa Vikings Rugby Club made history this summer at the 2025 International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) in Pamplona, Spain and Durham Lords athletes and coaches led by John Watkins were right in the heart of it.

Held in June, IMART brought together more than 1,200 athletes from 13 countries for a week filled with games, workshops, cultural exchanges, and social events. 

Since its inaugural event in 2015 in Bradford, England, IMART has grown into the world's premier celebration of mixed ability sport, championing inclusion, equality, and community through rugby.

The Vikings traveled with over 60 players, coaches, trainers, and support staff, and among them were several familiar faces from the Durham Lords men's and women's rugby programs. 

DC student-athletes and coaches suited up to represent Oshawa on the international stage, reinforcing Durham College's ongoing commitment to inclusive sport and community development.

This marks yet another IMART appearance for the Vikings with Lords representation, following their successful trip to Cork, Ireland, in 2022.

In addition to the men's side, the Vikings proudly sent Canada's first-ever Women's Mixed Ability Rugby Touring Team, breaking new ground in the sport's growth and inclusivity. 

The women's squad took on international opponents in group play against Merched Cymru (Wales), Club de Rugby El Salvador (Spain), and Ballincollig Trailblazers (Ireland).

On the men's side, the Vikings battled Italian club Ovest, Dendermonde Rugby Club (Belgium), and Tarucas Mixed Ability (Chile), gaining valuable international experience and forging lifelong connections along the way.

Beyond the competition, IMART reflects the mission of International Mixed Abilities Sport, to create safe, welcoming, and sustainable opportunities for everyone to participate in athletics. 

Mixed ability rugby removes barriers by eliminating classifications and labels, instead focusing on fairness, teamwork, and shared experiences.

For Durham Lords athletes and coaches, being part of the Vikings' journey in Spain was an opportunity not only to compete, but also to embrace the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and global community that align with both Durham College Athletics and the sport of rugby itself.

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