Ulster Rugby, supported by Bank of Ireland, has announced details of a new walking challenge aimed at encouraging people to get active as lockdown restrictions ease and club rugby activity resumes.
From Monday 12 April until Wednesday 30 June, we will be aiming to walk a combined total of 3,960 miles / 9,102,342 steps – the equivalent of walking from Kingspan Stadium to every club in Ulster and back again.
The challenge is open to anyone of any ability, and in addition to chasing down the steps total, we will be encouraging participants to support the spirit of the campaign, to:
- Get out and get active again as lockdown restrictions ease.
- Re-engage with your local rugby club, teams, players and volunteers as the domestic game returns.
- Promote general well-being in your local community.
Bank of Ireland is a proud supporter of rugby in Ireland and the competition that drives it. #NeverStopCompeting celebrates the good that comes from competition, how it fuels us and connects us, and pushes us past whatever stands in our way. So, to put that little extra pep in your step and encouraging clubs to #NeverStopCompeting, Bank of Ireland will be supporting the campaign with up to £5,000 (10 x £500) worth of Gilbert Rugby equipment packs for local clubs.
Prizes will be awarded to those who have demonstrated how their activity aligns with the spirit of both the ‘Walk To’ and #NeverStopCompeting campaigns.
The campaign will be live from 9am on Monday 12 April, and participants can begin logging their weekly steps via the online form at
ulsterrugby.com/URgame. To be in with a chance of winning the equipment packs for your local club, please ensure to provide the additional information about your activity.
Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Ulster Rugby’s Head of Rugby Development, Chris Webster, said: “The ‘Walk To’ programme is a great way for clubs and their local communities to get active again as COVID-19 restrictions across the province start to ease.
“We know everyone has really missed connecting with their clubs since it was necessary to pause rugby activity, so Ulster Rugby is confident that ‘Walk To’ will be a great way for clubs to re-engage with their members of all ages and abilities to promote well-being, whilst continuing to observe the latest health guidelines.
“We’re grateful to Bank of Ireland for their support of the programme, as we continue to make a safe and measured return to activity – and we look forward to seeing the weekly totals coming through.”
The ‘Walk To’ challenge is one of five elements of Ulster Rugby’s #URgame programme, which aims to help clubs and schools across the province to make a safe, fun, and graduated return to activity that works for them, and is in accordance with the latest government health advice.
Ulster Rugby asks that all participants adhere to current government guidelines at all times.
