STRICTLY STAR ORE LINES OUT TO BACK MANCHESTER VILLAGE SPARTANS FOR AWARDS SUCCESS
10th August 2017
TV Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing Champion Ore Oduba took on the Manchester Village Spartans rugby club today as they hope to convert his support into a prestigious National Lottery Award.
The Manchester Village Spartans RUFC is Greater Manchester's gay and inclusive rugby union football team based at Sale Sports Club, Manchester.
The club, who have received £20,000 of National Lottery funding, is a full and founding member of International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB) and in 2012 it hosted the Bingham Cup, the international gay and inclusive rugby championship.
They are now hoping to make their mark and try and lift the gong in the Best Sports Project category in the National Lottery Awards – the annual search for the nation’s favourite National Lottery funded organisations.
During his visit, Ore, who will host the National Lottery Awards for the first time this year, met club members and wished them good luck as the public voting draws to a close.
He said: “The Manchester Village Spartans have encouraged engagement with the game and enjoyment at all levels, creating a safe, positive and inclusive club environment where rugby can be played and enjoyed on and off the pitch by everyone regardless of sexual orientation or ability, providing a high quality rugby experience for their members, families and supporters.
“National Lottery players should feel proud to support such an incredible project that now needs your vote to win a National Lottery Award.”
Dean Bee, chairman of the Manchester Village Spartans, added: “It is such an honour to have Ore Oduba visit us, and it has been great to have him see the positive effect lottery funding has had for our team.”
The winners of the seven National Lottery Awards categories will get a £5,000 prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded Awards ceremony in London- broadcast on BBC One in September and hosted by Ore Oduba.
Voting closes tonight midnight 27 July and winners are announced in August.
To vote for the Manchester Village Spartans please visit www.LotteryGoodCauses.org.uk/Awards or telephone 0844 836 9709.
Ends
For further information please contact The National Lottery Awards:
Jay Epega on 0207 211 1931 or Jay.Epega@LotteryGoodCauses.org.uk
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
Manchester Village Spartans received £20,000 of National Lottery funding through the Spirit of 2012 Fund
Telephone voting calls cost 5p max. A connection charge may be applied by some networks. Please check with your provider.
All voting will be independently adjudicated and verified by Electoral Reform Services.
National Lottery players raise more than £30 million each week and for more information on National Lottery good causes in your area, please visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk