Arthur’s Gym, based in Rhydyfelin, has been shortlisted in this year’s prestigious National Lottery Awards which is broadcast on national television.
The National Lottery Awards reward and recognise the inspirational impact of National Lottery funded projects across all sections of society. National Lottery players raise more than £35 million for good causes throughout the UK every week.
Over 900 good causes from across the UK were nominated in this year’s Awards. Arthur’s Gym has made it through to the final seven in the Best Sport Project category, with a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy and a £2,000 cash prize up for grabs if they get the highest number of public votes in their category.
Arthur’s Gym is an amateur boxing club based in Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd in the south Wales valleys, inspiring local people, including some of the community’s most disadvantaged, to make regular exercise part of their everyday lives.
Arthur’s Gym is appealing for public support as it bids to make it all the way to the star-studded awards ceremony in September which will be shown on BBC One.
Jamie Arthur, 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Head Coach at Arthur’s Gym, says: “We’re delighted to have reached the finals of The National Lottery Awards. Lottery money has really helped us by enabling us to open our facilities and give people from all walks of life the chance to experience sporting and exercise sessions. We thrive on changing lives, from the friends and members that walk through the door.
“It’s easy to vote, so we’re hoping people support us, as it would be a fantastic reward for everyone involved in the project to receive national recognition for their hard work.”
To vote for Arthur’s Gym to win Best Sport Project call or log on to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
TV star and actor John Barrowman, presenter of The National Lottery Awards, said: “National Lottery funding helps transform communities and changes lives for the better. National Lottery players should be proud that their contribution to good causes makes such a positive difference to arts, sport, heritage, community and voluntary groups across the UK.
“I would urge everyone to get behind Arthur’s Gym and do their bit to ensure they get national recognition for their invaluable contribution to society.”
Jackie O’Sullivan of National Lottery Good Causes added: “We have been overwhelmed by the number and standard of entries for the National Lottery Awards. Each week National Lottery players raise over £35 million for good causes. The impact of National Lottery funding at the heart of communities cannot be over-estimated.”
“The 49 good causes competing for public votes are just a snapshot of the life-changing influence of National Lottery funding. Now for the hard part, every one of the nominees is a winner in their own right but it is up to you, the public, to get behind your good cause and make sure they pick up the top prize.”
There are seven nominees in seven categories in the Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and voluntary/charity.
Voting for The National Lottery Awards starts at 9am on Wednesday 19 June and ends at midnight on Wednesday 24 July. You can vote at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards and follow voting on twitter: #NLAwards
