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Over 120 volunteers attended an event at Kingspan Stadium on
Wednesday evening to celebrate their contribution to rugby in Ulster.
ULSTER RUGBY CELEBRATES
THE ROLE PLAYED BY VOLUNTEERS
The volunteers were joined at the event by
Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey
and Barney McGahan, Deputy Secretary of
the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Ulster and Ireland rugby players Craig Gilroy,
Chris Henry and Tommy Bowe were also in
attendance.
The two government departments have
supported the development of volunteers in
sport through their respective programmes:
‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and
Social Exclusion through Sport’ (DCAL) and
‘Sport in the
Community’ (DSD).
Since March 2013,
Ulster Rugby has
engaged with 1382
volunteers across
36 programmes
and has also
recruited a further
240 volunteers to
develop the game
province-wide.
These figures are
a direct result of
funding from the NI
Executive through
DCAL and DSD.
Representatives from clubs were praised
for their tireless work in supporting the
development of rugby in their local
communities. Volunteers from 28 different clubs
attended on the night, including those involved
within female and disability rugby, which have
grown significantly over the past 18 months.
The event also recognised the contribution
made by over 200 volunteers who were
recruited to support Ulster Rugby led initiatives,
such as the ‘Charity Action Team’ and the
‘Rugby Crew’.
Ulster Rugby’s ‘Charity Action Team’ helped
the organisation raise over £34,000 for Cancer
Research last season and is on target to
generate a similar total for this year’s official
charity partner, Mencap.
The ‘Rugby Crew’, a core of young volunteers
recruited as part of the DCAL programme, have
supported community projects such as Centra
Summer Camps and special events such as
the Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby
Festival for people learning disabilities, which
was held at Kingspan Stadium in June this year.
Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey
MLA, commented: “My Department has been
pleased to provide funding of £487,000 through
the ‘Sport in the Community’ project to the
IRFU, IFA and GAA, which is being used to
grow capacity in community development and
volunteering in Northern Ireland. Through this
project, I want volunteers to have an enjoyable
experience and to make a difference to their
own lives and that of their community.
“Sports clubs,
up and down the
country, are reliant
on volunteers. That
is why volunteer
events such as this
are a wonderful
way of recognising
the efforts and
achievements of
those who selflessly
dedicate their time
and abilities to help
others. I commend
the passion and
commitment of
everyone who volunteers in rugby, and indeed
all those who volunteer in all sports, at every
level.”
John Kinnear, Ulster Rugby President,
concluded: “Volunteers are the life and soul of
rugby in Ulster and we wanted to hold this event
to show our appreciation for their dedication
to growing the game. The ability to recruit and
involve so many volunteers would not have
been possible without the generous support
received from DSD and DCAL.”
For media enquiries please contact:
Ulster Rugby
Contact Richard Finlay (Communications
Officer) on 07826 924297 or at
Department for Social Development
Contact the DSD Press Office on
028 90829233 or at
Out of office hours please contact Duty Press
Officer via pager number 07699715440 and
your call will be returned.
38 ULSTERRUGBY www.ulsterrugby.com
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT