NORTHERN ROUNDERS ROADSHOW PROVES A HIT
On 22nd August, the final two heats concluded Racing Welfare’s Northern Rounders Roadshow, which has seen the industry’s human welfare charity host 10 community rounders events at various locations, from Doncaster to Kinross (289 miles apart) and everywhere in between throughout August.
The overall winner of the tournament is Nicky Richards’ team ‘Nicky’s Nutters,’ who played at Carlisle Racecourse. Their prize is a table at the Northern Racing Awards at Newcastle Racecourse in December.
Regional Community Executive at Racing Welfare, Beck Edmunds said: “It was fantastic to see great support from yards big and small, racecourses, vets, the NHC and Go Racing in Yorkshire. There was plenty of healthy competition and it was very fun to watch!
“As well as providing the opportunity to get together socially and enjoy some rounders, the roadshow importantly allowed us to be more inclusive of all racing’s people by going to various locations outside of the usual racing hubs and build stronger relationships with these communities who might have had less contact with Racing Welfare in the past. Hopefully this has helped to raise awareness of the charity and the support that’s available to everyone working in the industry, regardless of their location.
“Huge thanks to all of the venues who kindly hosted heats for us, and to our team of volunteers who gave their time to help make it happen.”
Lucinda Russell hosted the first event, which saw four teams from both hers and Nick Alexander’s Kinneston yard taking part. She said: “A brilliant evening. Thanks to everyone who took part and Racing Welfare for their support as always.”
Rebecca Menzies’ team were among those joining the inter-yard heats held at Sedgefield Racecourse. She commented: “We had great fun…it’s great to meet up with other yards for a bit of fun, food and healthy competition.”
The roadshow forms part of Racing Welfare’s programme of community events held up and down the country. Last year, the charity held 115 community events for working age staff and the retired population. These events and activities play a crucial role in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, fostering engagement among racing’s communities, supporting health and wellbeing and providing visibility of the charity so that more people know about Racing Welfare and the support that’s available.