By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby Foundation has announced that its 150th anniversary appeal is being bolstered by the backing of a high-profile group of ambassadors.
The appeal aims to raise funds to support the charity’s work transforming lives through the power of sport in the Coventry and Warwickshire community.
While focusing on those who live in deprived situations, the intent is to reach out to those who miss life opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control.
And now the charity has been boosted by the news that local MP Taiwo Owatemi and Coventry City Councillor Gavin Lloyd plus a number of prominent figures from the local business world (see below) will offer support during the coming year.
Coventry Rugby Foundation chair John Edwards said the involvement of the ambassador group will hugely enhance the charity’s ability to deliver on the community’s behalf.
“We are marking this landmark in Cov’s illustrious history by running this special anniversary appeal,” he said.
“Our aim is to create a lasting legacy and we are now really fortunate to be backed by such an outstanding group of ambassadors who have committed to help us.
“This group are all people who have achieved in life and now want to help us grow by communicating the good work done by the charity among their networks.”
Newly-appointed ambassador Les Ratcliffe MBE said he is honoured to help the charity in this landmark year.
“I’ve been very impressed by the work it does in the community and by the ambition shown to do even more,” he said.
“The important work in schools, at the Butts Park Arena and elsewhere gives access to facilities and coaching that most wouldn’t ordinarily get and this opens up previously inaccessible life opportunities.
“I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing the new Coventry Netball project which assists young girls to get into active sport and lead a physically active life into adulthood with all the proven benefits that brings in both physical and mental wellbeing.”
Edwards said the 150th anniversary appeal aims to fund the charity’s activities on a wider basis.
“Through our various projects, we see first-hand how young and old can grow and achieve through the power of sport,” he said.
“Whether it’s children coming on our Project 500 holiday camps, learning to mix and play a variety of sport and receiving wholesome foods and family hampers, or our older participants in walking rugby or netball, our many programmes make a real difference to quality of life.
“With so much need out there, we are only scratching the surface and we want to do much more in this 150th anniversary year.”
Details of the Foundation’s current projects are found at: www.coventryrugby.co.uk/community
The above picture shows ambassador group members pictured with Coventry Rugby Foundation trustees.
(left to right) Gavin Lloyd, Coventry City Councillor, Sherbourne Ward; Tom Bromwich, Founding Partner, Bromwich Hardy; Les Ratcliffe MBE, TD DL, Chair Coventry and Warwickshire Champions; John Edwards, Trust Chair Coventry Rugby Community Foundation; Taiwo Owatemi MP, Coventry NW; John Clarke OBE, Chairman, Century PR; David Shortland MBE, Chairman, Shortland Horne; Andrew Carpenter, Trustee, Coventry Rugby Foundation.
Note: Not in photo but a big part of the anniversary appeal is Eleanor Deeley, Managing Director – Deeley Group.
