DJ Gav set for Magic debut

A Middlesbrough man who has a learning disability will be achieving his lifetime dream of becoming a successful DJ, when he makes his live debut to the crowd at St James’ Park – the home of Newcastle United. 

Gavin Walton, 45, will be taking to the stage at the Dacia Magic Weekend on Saturday 4^th September, playing a set at the fanzone, he will be achieving his goals in the most spectacular way.

Gavin is supported by the national social care charity Community Integrated Care. The charity is leading the world’s first ever dedicated volunteering and personal development programme for people who have care and support needs at a major event, in partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021. Through this programme, participants like Gavin are given specialist mentoring and development opportunities, designed to fulfil their potential, promote independence, and make dreams come true. 

In his application for Community Integrated Care’s Inclusive Volunteering programme with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, he expressed a passion for music and a dream to DJ to a crowd. The charity partnered with Super League to make this a reality on one of the sport’s most famous stages. 

Gavin is just one of more than thirty people who will enjoying an aspirational volunteering project at the event, with others enjoying exciting opportunities such as matchday photography, taking on media roles – interviewing legends of the game, assisting with matchday hospitality, and even sharing their culinary skills to provide catering for members of the Sky Sports broadcast team and Super League colleagues. 

Super League and Community Integrated Care will further be showcasing the art of inclusion with people supported by the charity helping to illustrate the Dacia Magic Weekend official matchday programme. More than sixty people have created illustrations of players, coaches, and crests, which will be featured in the matchday magazine and in a special digital publication. Their artworks will also be shared widely across Super League digital channels. 

Community Integrated Care’s ground-breaking Inclusive Volunteering Programme was recently bestowed the Care Innovator Award at the Great British Care Awards for its unique impact upon society and its participants.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says: “We are delighted to kick off our first volunteering placements at a major event at the Dacia Magic Weekend. Through our specialist support and the incredible platform that our charity has as the Official Social Care Partner of Super League, the Rugby Football League, and the Rugby League World Cup 2021, we are able to offer once-in-a-lifetime volunteering and personal development opportunities.

Gavin has dreamt of being a DJ, and through this project this will become a reality. We are excited for him and everyone who will be achieving amazing things at the event. Our thanks go to our partners at Super League, who have been so committed to changing lives through this opportunity, as well as our partners at Sport England and RLWC2021.??

Gavin Walton says: “I can’t believe that I am having the chance to DJ at such a huge event and famous stadium. With the support of Community Integrated Care and the volunteering programme, I’ve enjoyed lots of special opportunities that have built my confidence to take on something big like this. I’ll be working hard to pick my five best songs to get the party started for all of the fans.??

Katy Graham, Community Partnerships Manager at Super League, says: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Community Integrated Care and the impact that it has on so many lives. It was important for us to help deliver these life-changing opportunities. We are excited to welcome the talents of their DJ’s, photographers, artists, cooks, and event assistants, who will really help us to deliver another spectacular Dacia Magic Weekend event at the iconic St James’ Park.??

“It’s been extraordinary watching this partnership grow and develop. From seeing the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League teams run out at Anfield during the 2019 Dacia Magic Weekend, to seeing some of their participants now returning in 2021 as accredited photographers and journalists, it’s a testament to the impact of the charity.??