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VOLUNTEER EVENT
The focus of the event was to celebrate the
contribution that volunteers make to rugby in
Ulster. Over 100 volunteers from schools, clubs
and Ulster Rugby’s volunteer programmes
attended the event enjoying the opportunity to
catch up with other volunteers, invited guests,
Ulster Rugby players and staff and of course,
Ulster Rugby mascot Sparky!
Welcoming volunteers to the event, Ulster Rugby
President, John McKibbin said: “Volunteers
contribute to rugby in Ulster in so many ways.
I am delighted to welcome you here tonight
and to say thank you for all of your time and
commitment. From minis to match night at
Kingspan Stadium we couldn’t do it without you.
Your work is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Speaking at the event Sports Minister Paul Givan,
MLA said: “As Minister for Communities with
lead responsibility for volunteering, I would like to
commend all the volunteers here tonight for their
commitment to volunteering within rugby. It is
important that we recognise the dedication and
effort that our volunteers contribute within our
society. Volunteering is important to individuals
and to our civil society here in Northern Ireland
as It helps create vibrant, energised and safe
communities.”
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) title
sponsors of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership
were also supporting the event. Highlighting the
second year of their Community Champions
Awards, Natasha Sayee, Head of Public Affairs
at SONI, said: “We’re delighted to be here to
celebrate with so many volunteers who dedicate
countless hours of their time for the benefit of
their community. We’re pleased to have launched
our volunteer award for the second year running
where ‘community champions’ in grassroots
rugby are recognised for their dedication. We
hope that every club volunteer will enter the
award for a chance to win a £1,000 bursary for
their club.”
VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION EVENT
Rugby volunteers from across the Province were invited to kick-off the
Christmas season at Kingspan Stadium recently.