Nominations for Ulster Rugby and SONI's Community Rugby Champion Award flooded in from across Ulster and after a rigorous shortlisting process, the four finalists have been revealed.
SONI received dozens of nominations 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 was initiated by SONI, which is responsible for running the electricity grid across Northern Ireland, with the sole aim of rewarding volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby, having a positive impact on their club and community.
The four finalists are Grace Davitt, Women’s Head Coach at Cooke Rugby Club, Stephen Nutt, Director of Rugby at Ards Rugby Club, Willie Gribben, Chairman of Portadown Panthers disability rugby group and Katie Speers, Fundraiser and First Aid Officer at Ballymoney Rugby Club.
All finalists will attend Ulster Rugby’s awards ceremony on 12th May where the overall winner will be crowned the SONI Community Rugby Champion and will walk away with £1,000 bursary for the club. All three runners up will each win £500 for their respective clubs.
Robin McCormick, General Manager of SONI, said: "The judging panel was bowled over by the level of entries and the contribution made by volunteers who give up so much of their free time for the benefit of their local club and community. All of the entries received demonstrated incredible passion and dedication for the game and for their club. We’re very proud to be the driving force behind an initiative which rewards those who are dedicated to serving their community and very much looking forward to celebrating with our finalists at the Ulster Rugby Awards dinner next month."
Chris Webster, Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster Rugby, said: "Selecting just four finalists wasn’t an easy task for the judges given the high calibre of entries. Unfortunately, there can only be four finalists and one overall winner. Our finalists all demonstrated a commitment to our core values of integrity, respect, inclusivity, fun and excellence as well as a willingness to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in hugely positive contribution and impact on their club.
"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. The four finalists are all worthy winners and deserve this recognition."
For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.
SONI received dozens of nominations 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 was initiated by SONI, which is responsible for running the electricity grid across Northern Ireland, with the sole aim of rewarding volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby, having a positive impact on their club and community.
The four finalists are Grace Davitt, Women’s Head Coach at Cooke Rugby Club, Stephen Nutt, Director of Rugby at Ards Rugby Club, Willie Gribben, Chairman of Portadown Panthers disability rugby group and Katie Speers, Fundraiser and First Aid Officer at Ballymoney Rugby Club.
All finalists will attend Ulster Rugby’s awards ceremony on 12th May where the overall winner will be crowned the SONI Community Rugby Champion and will walk away with £1,000 bursary for the club. All three runners up will each win £500 for their respective clubs.
Robin McCormick, General Manager of SONI, said: "The judging panel was bowled over by the level of entries and the contribution made by volunteers who give up so much of their free time for the benefit of their local club and community. All of the entries received demonstrated incredible passion and dedication for the game and for their club. We’re very proud to be the driving force behind an initiative which rewards those who are dedicated to serving their community and very much looking forward to celebrating with our finalists at the Ulster Rugby Awards dinner next month."
Chris Webster, Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster Rugby, said: "Selecting just four finalists wasn’t an easy task for the judges given the high calibre of entries. Unfortunately, there can only be four finalists and one overall winner. Our finalists all demonstrated a commitment to our core values of integrity, respect, inclusivity, fun and excellence as well as a willingness to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in hugely positive contribution and impact on their club.
"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. The four finalists are all worthy winners and deserve this recognition."
For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.