George Nott of Dragons RFC and Ospreys can today be revealed as the winners of the BKT URC Unity Awards. George Nott picks up the Difference Maker Award, while Ospreys take the Community Impact Award.
The awards have been introduced to recognise the great work done by players and teams from the BKT United Rugby Championship within their communities and for charitable causes.
The winners were decided by a judging panel of senior members of URC staff.
George Nott, was nominated by Dragons RFC for the Difference Maker Award to recognise the impact he has made over the past two years in the promotion and support of a growing number of provisions.
George actively reached out to the Dragons Community team when he first arrived at the club, with a focus on inclusion and the Dragons Allstars – mixed ability – team and Walking Rugby programmes. However, his impact can now be felt across all areas of the community work they do.
George has touched every part of the Dragons Community team’s work and supports adult day services sessions and any ALN (additional learning needs) schools they visit.
Among the projects that George has got involved with – as part of the outreach work the club do – are: Serennu Children’s Centre, Positive Futures, Early Intervention, BAME Community Support, Outreach Holiday Camps, Fit & Fed, Region on the Road – Club Support, Play on Development – Little Legends, Off the Streets, Health & Wellbeing, Give it a Try.
Mike Sage – Community Manager, Dragons RFC said: “George is such an inspiration to all our Community and Inclusion family. He really cares about supporting people and he makes such a positive impact by listening, giving his time and talking to our Dragons Family, in his humble manner.
“In over 20 years in the role, I have never seen a player with such passion and drive to help and support. You don’t need to ask. George is there and constantly goes above and beyond to ensure our vulnerable members feel valued. He is a class act – both on and off the field – and, as a club, we are lucky to have him.”
The judges recognised George’s commitment over the years to his volunteering. He is an inspiration to everyone both inside the club and beyond. By finding the time to give back and support the community in such an incredible fashion, George shows how it is possible, even with the demanding schedule of a professional rugby player, to make a profound difference, which the judges felt underpin the values that the URC stands for.
He will receive prize money of £5000 to donate to a charity of his choosing.
As for the Ospreys, they’ve been awarded the Community Impact Award for Ospreys In The Community (OITC), a not-for-profit foundation that works in close partnership with the club.
In the Community Impact Award category, Ospreys were up against several other very worthy clubs for various programmes they have undertaken in their areas.
OITC’s aim is to create a vibrant and sustainable foundation that encourages and supports people of all ages and abilities to make positive life choices.
They engage with over 50,000 people each year, providing sustainable and enjoyable programmes throughout the Ospreys region, making a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives.
They run multiple programmes in the community including Bouncing Back – and early intervention resilience building programme that supports young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and Sporting Memories which tackles some of the biggest issues in the local area – dementia, isolation and loneliness.
The judges felt their work was really at the heart of the community, driving change and positive outcomes with a meaningful impact to people’s lives.
The winner of the Community Impact Award receive £5,000 from CVC to donate or invest in their community programme.
URC CEO Martin Anayi said: “I’m proud of the incredible work that our clubs are doing to engage with their communities. The URC is honoured to be able to shine a light on the impact being made through some very impressive community programmes. Congratulations to the Ospreys and to George Nott on your awards, and your dedication to doing good.”
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