The finalists for this year's SONI Community Champions Award have been announced at a special reception held at Kingspan Stadium.
Dozens of nominations were received for volunteers who perform a variety of roles including coaches, fundraisers, treasurers, event managers, groundsmen and many more – all of which have dedicated countless hours for the love of the game and their club.
The award scheme, which is now in its third year, was initiated by SONI – System Operator for Northern Ireland - which is responsible for running the electricity grid across the province. The scheme rewards volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby, having a positive impact on their club and community.
The four finalists are: Patrick Baird, President, Malone RFC and Clem Bassett, President, Ballynahinch RFC, for the adult category; and Noel Brown, Youth Convenor, Cooke Rugby Club, and Liam Foley Mini Rugby Convenor, Bangor RFC for the mini and youth category.
All finalists will attend Ulster Rugby’s awards ceremony on 10th May at the La Mon Hotel, where the two winners will be crowned our SONI Community Rugby Champions and will each walk away with £1,000 bursary for their clubs. Both runners up will each win £500 for their respective clubs.
Lynne Reid, Financial Controller of SONI said “Once again, nominations for the SONI Community Champions Award have exceeded all expectations. We are delighted to see that year on year, new names continue to be put forward for the award, demonstrating the huge number of wonderful volunteers across Ulster who contribute so much more than their time and energy.
“These volunteers truly give back to their community and genuinely help to change lives of. It’s always so heartwarming to see such incredible passion, dedication come across in the entry forms as well as gratitude from the clubs who nominate their volunteers. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists at the Ulster Rugby Awards dinner next month.”
Barry Willis, Acting Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster Rugby said: "It’s never an easy job for the judges to pick just four finalists but the calibre of entries this year, in particular, was extremely high. We continue to be encouraged to see such commitment to the domestic game and such willingness to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in a hugely positive impact on the clubs who are lucky enough to have such selfless volunteers.
"We are delighted to continue to work with SONI on the Community Champions award and to say thank you to volunteers for all their hard work, commitment and devotion to their local club.”
For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.
Dozens of nominations were received for volunteers who perform a variety of roles including coaches, fundraisers, treasurers, event managers, groundsmen and many more – all of which have dedicated countless hours for the love of the game and their club.
The award scheme, which is now in its third year, was initiated by SONI – System Operator for Northern Ireland - which is responsible for running the electricity grid across the province. The scheme rewards volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby, having a positive impact on their club and community.
The four finalists are: Patrick Baird, President, Malone RFC and Clem Bassett, President, Ballynahinch RFC, for the adult category; and Noel Brown, Youth Convenor, Cooke Rugby Club, and Liam Foley Mini Rugby Convenor, Bangor RFC for the mini and youth category.
All finalists will attend Ulster Rugby’s awards ceremony on 10th May at the La Mon Hotel, where the two winners will be crowned our SONI Community Rugby Champions and will each walk away with £1,000 bursary for their clubs. Both runners up will each win £500 for their respective clubs.
Lynne Reid, Financial Controller of SONI said “Once again, nominations for the SONI Community Champions Award have exceeded all expectations. We are delighted to see that year on year, new names continue to be put forward for the award, demonstrating the huge number of wonderful volunteers across Ulster who contribute so much more than their time and energy.
“These volunteers truly give back to their community and genuinely help to change lives of. It’s always so heartwarming to see such incredible passion, dedication come across in the entry forms as well as gratitude from the clubs who nominate their volunteers. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists at the Ulster Rugby Awards dinner next month.”
Barry Willis, Acting Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster Rugby said: "It’s never an easy job for the judges to pick just four finalists but the calibre of entries this year, in particular, was extremely high. We continue to be encouraged to see such commitment to the domestic game and such willingness to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in a hugely positive impact on the clubs who are lucky enough to have such selfless volunteers.
"We are delighted to continue to work with SONI on the Community Champions award and to say thank you to volunteers for all their hard work, commitment and devotion to their local club.”
For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.