Ulster Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors

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CELEBRATING RUGBY VOLUNTEERS A new initiative, which aims to honour and recognise the dedication of
community rugby volunteers across Ulster was launched recently by
Ulster Rugby and SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland).
SONI SET TO HONOUR LOCAL
RUGBY VOLUNTEERS
The SONI Community Rugby Champions programme
is being pioneered by SONI who is responsible
for running the electricity grid across the Province.
It follows the recent announcement of its title
sponsorship deal with the Ulster Senior League.
The awards will honour the contributions made
by volunteers right across the Province, including
everyone from the Head Coach to young volunteers,
fundraisers, minibus drivers or tea ladies - any
volunteer who has been involved with the club for
at least six months is eligible to enter. Judges will
be looking for those who have made a positive
contribution to their club and someone who goes
above and beyond the call of duty for the love of the
game and their club.
Four finalists will be shortlisted from four regions and
will be invited to attend Ulster Rugby’s glittering end
of year awards ceremony with all finalists receiving
a £500 bursary for their local club and the overall
champion winning £1,000, as well as being crowned
the SONI Community Rugby Champion.
Chris Webster, Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster
Rugby, said it is important that the hard work and
dedication of volunteers, who give up their free time, is
suitably recognised and rewarded:
“Rugby clubs play a huge part in their community and
they rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers, who
don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
“The SONI Community Rugby Champions award is a
fantastic way to recognise volunteers’ achievements
and to say thank you for all their hard work,
commitment and devotion to their local club. We’re
thrilled with SONI’s level of commitment since their
sponsorship with the Ulster Senior League and for
championing and supporting such a great initiative.”
Robin McCormick, General Manager of SONI added:
“As part of our sponsorship with the Ulster Senior
League, we are delighted to have this opportunity to
reward people who give up their free time to ensure
the smooth running of community rugby in their
area. Without volunteers, local clubs which play such
a crucial and positive role in communities, simply
wouldn’t be able to survive. SONI is committed to
benefiting local communities and we do that through
ensuring the safe, secure and efficient supply of
electricity across Northern Ireland, so we’re proud to
be the driving force behind an initiative which rewards
those who are dedicated to serving their community.”
The deadline for entries is Tuesday 8th March.
Anyone can nominate by filling out the online
application form, at
communitychampions.
For more information on SONI
visit or
follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.