Ballina RSL pre-season league comp to benefit charities
Supporting two North Coast charities and prizemoney of $10,000 were the major drawcards for the 14 Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) clubs to lace up their boots early to participate in a new pre-season charity shield.
Today dignitaries from the NRRRL, Ballina RSL Club and charities Dragons Abreast and Men of League Foundation were on hand to launch the inaugural Ballina RSL Club 2010 Charity Shield commencing on the 27th March.
NRRRL Secretary Doug Harrison said this prestigious event is a great opportunity to partner with the Ballina RSL Club and support these two amazing and inspirational charities.
“The NRRRL has always had a pre-season competition, however, this year the NRRRL decided to spend some money and make it a competition worth being involved in. The sponsorship from the Ballina RSL Club is a generous gesture and the NRRRL certainly values and appreciates their support,” Mr Harrison said.
Ballina RSL Club General Manager Bill Coulter echoed similar sentiments.
“The RSL Club Board sees the inaugural Charity Shield competition as an opportunity to work with the NRRRL sporting community in promoting the sport of rugby league to the Northern Rivers community while at the same time giving back to two worthwhile charities,” he said.
“The RSL Club has a long association with rugby league in the area in various capacities over the years via sponsorship and in hosting pre-season events and functions.
“In sponsoring the 2010 Charity Shield we are able to support two very important charities that benefit many people from Grafton to the Tweed Coast.
“These are the Dragons Abreast North Coast racing teams which assist individuals post-breast cancer treatment in making the transition back into a full and active life.
“The second charity, the Men of League Foundation, supports former players, coaches, administrators, referees, officials and
their families who have fallen on hard times.”
Winners of the Ballina RSL Club 2010 Charity Shield will be formally recognised at the NRRRL Season Launch Supper with the Stars on the 23rd April at the Ballina RSL Club.
This year’s season launch will be very different from previous ones with the event billed as a family function.
Former rugby league great John Peard and ex-rugby league player, male model and hypnotherapist Mark Edmondson will both be special guests on the night.
