Ulster Rugby vs Clermont

VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION EVENT

Rugby volunteers from across the Province were invited to kick-off the Christmas season at Kingspan Stadium recently.

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 EVENT

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