VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Club to match up with kids’ charity
WIDNES Vikings have extended a partnership with a national children’s charity. The Select Security Stadium club has teamed up once more with Wooden Spoon.
Vikings star and project ambassador Corey Thompson announced the extension during a visit to Ashley School in Widnes.
The club’s charitable arm – the Vikings Sports Foundation – is joining forces with the charity for the Spoon Rugby Drive project for a second year.
The partnership will involve Vikings coaches visit special schools across Halton and the surrounding area delivering touch rugby sessions.
The sessions will give young people with learning and physical disabilities greater opportunities to participate in the sport.
Corey said: “At Widnes Vikings, we are proud to be an inclusive club and as players, we all enjoy days like this.
“I’m delighted that the club will be offering young people with learning and physical disabilities such exciting opportunities to participate in our sport.”
Widnes Vikings and Wooden Spoon will be working together on several fundraising initiatives across the year.
Wooden Spoon Merseyside chairman Stan Bagshaw said: “We are delighted that the funds raised by Wooden Spoon Merseyside are helping this project. Wooden Spoon is inspired by our values of passion, integrity, teamwork and fun.
“The work Widnes Vikings carries out with local schools also inspires rugby values – it’s a hands-on project with positive results.”
Spoon Rugby Drive will also offer schools the chance to participate in festivals at the Select Security Stadium where they will meet Vikings players and take part in the Wooden Spoon National Tag Rugby Tournament. ●
The project will reach more than 300 children this year.
Widnes Vikings will also be working supporting the Wooden Spoon Partner Club Programme and will involve partnering with rugby league clubs in the borough to raise funds for both them and projects that support disadvantaged children.
Wooden Spoon project manager Matt Mitchell said: “We are inspired by our rugby roots and value partnerships with clubs like The Vikings, working together to make a difference in our local communities.
“A huge thank you goes to Corey, all the players and wider team at Widnes Vikings, who are helping making a difference to children’s lives through the power of rugby.”
Vikings community director Richard Munson added: “Wooden Spoon is a fantastic charity, who share our vision of supporting children in our community through the power of rugby league.
“The first year of our partnership saw our community team deliver several great projects to local special schools – we are looking forward to building upon this success.
“We are proud to sign up to the partner club programme and hope that our local community clubs can join us in this effort.
“All money we raise will be reinvested into projects like Spoon Rugby Drive and the community clubs themselves.”
For more information call 0151 495 2250 or email richardm@widnesvikings