Esports and gaming agency Epic Global has announced a partnership with disability charity Rehab Group.
As a result of the deal, the two parties have launched ‘Game On’, a programme designed to expand the skills of people with disabilities in esports and gaming industries.
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As part of the programme, Epic Global and Rehab Group have partnered with virtual reality tennis esports company VR Motion Learning to increase the movement of students with a disability through its virtual reality software.
Sinead Hosey, Co-founder of Epic Global, spoke on the partnership in a release: “We’re delighted to work with Rehab Group and National Learning Network to launch one of Europe’s first esports and gaming skills development programmes designed for people with disabilities.
“With esports often perceived to be an exclusive pastime for a niche group of people, it’s important for us to be involved in bringing forward initiatives such as ‘Game On’ to a wider community, in order to change this perception and ensure inclusion and diversity is brought to the forefront of the industry.”
The programme will be available to students across Rehab Groups’ 50 National Learning Network centres, giving over 500 students access to a curriculum combining esports and education alongside the chance to compete in a tennis esports tournament.
Lucianne Bird, Director of Learning at Rehab Group, also commented:“Rehab Group and National Learning Network are excited to begin our esports learning journey with Epic Global. Throughout our colleges nationally we have a large community of budding gamers who will benefit from the ‘Game on’ initiative. Not only will it help our students develop skills in the area of STEM and increase mobility, but with a growing esports industry, real job opportunities are also possible.”
Esports Insider says: This initiative from Epic Global and Rehab Group is a great way for people with a disability to learn about esports and the range of career opportunities available within the industry.