Image credit: Brian Thompson / Press Eye Ltd.
Newforge Taggers coach Sam McBurney was named as BBC Sport NI's Unsung Hero for 2013 on Wednesday night.
Sam, who also acts as a Club Community Rugby Officer for Malone RFC, was halied for his commitment and dedication towards giving young people with learning difficulties an opportunity to play rugby.
The Newforge Taggers club was established in September 2006 for those with learning disabilities and was the first club of its type in ...
Image credit: Brian Thompson / Press Eye Ltd. Newforge Taggers coach Sam McBurney was named as BBC Sport NI's Unsung Hero for 2013 on Wednesday night. Sam, who also acts as a Club Community Rugby Officer for Malone RFC, was halied for his commitment and dedication towards giving young people with learning difficulties an opportunity to play rugby. The Newforge Taggers club was established in September 2006 for those with learning disabilities and was the first club of its type in Ireland. There are now six clubs in Ulster with provision for those with learning disabilities. Sam was one of the founder members of the club, which now has almost 50 members, and has been dedicated to those who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to get involved in sport. He said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive BBC NI's Unsung Hero Award for 2013. I accept the award not only for myself but in recognition of the many hours put in by all the team at Newforge Taggers who provide people with learning disabilities the opportunity to participate in and enjoy rugby, a sport that they love. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ulster Rugby for their support in setting up our club, which was the first of its type in Northern Ireland and for hosting the International Tag Festival which will take place next year in Ravenhill. It will be a great honour to represent our Club at the main awards night in December." Unsung Heroes from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and 12 English Regions will attend the star-studded 60th BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, in Leeds on 15 December where an overall Unsung Hero winner will be announced. Thomas Kane presented Sam with his award at Ravenhill on Wednesday evening live on BBC Newsline and labelled him a 'very worthy winner'. Click here to watch the clip.
Image credit: Brian Thompson / Press Eye Ltd. Newforge Taggers coach Sam McBurney was named as BBC Sport NI's Unsung Hero for 2013 on Wednesday night. Sam, who also acts as a Club Community Rugby Officer for Malone RFC, was halied for his commitment and dedication towards giving young people with learning difficulties an opportunity to play rugby. The Newforge Taggers club was established in September 2006 for those with learning disabilities and was the first club of its type in Ireland. There are now six clubs in Ulster with provision for those with learning disabilities. Sam was one of the founder members of the club, which now has almost 50 members, and has been dedicated to those who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to get involved in sport. He said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive BBC NI's Unsung Hero Award for 2013. I accept the award not only for myself but in recognition of the many hours put in by all the team at Newforge Taggers who provide people with learning disabilities the opportunity to participate in and enjoy rugby, a sport that they love. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ulster Rugby for their support in setting up our club, which was the first of its type in Northern Ireland and for hosting the International Tag Festival which will take place next year in Ravenhill. It will be a great honour to represent our Club at the main awards night in December." Unsung Heroes from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and 12 English Regions will attend the star-studded 60th BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, in Leeds on 15 December where an overall Unsung Hero winner will be announced. Thomas Kane presented Sam with his award at Ravenhill on Wednesday evening live on BBC Newsline and labelled him a 'very worthy winner'. Click here to watch the clip.