A tutor from Worcester Warriors’ HITZ programme has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Ben Macdonald is one of the three finalists for the HITZ Champion Award supported by Comic Relief. The award will be presented at the HITZ Awards on 4 February.
The HITZ Champion Award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support a HITZ participant to overcome their personal barriers.
Over two years on the HITZ programme Ben helped countless young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Working both individually and in small groups, Ben has helped people with drug and alcohol issues, those looking to move out of homeless shelters and many other barriers, improving their long-term prospects with his tireless work.
The multi award-winning HITZ programme uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence and gives them the skills to get back into education, apprenticeships and employment.
As a national HITZ partner, Comic Relief is supporting the Champion Award.
“The HITZ programme is doing brilliant work and Comic Relief is proud to have been involved for a number of years now,” said Comic Relief Sports Partnerships Manager Sam Shave.
“The Champion Award recognises those people who have gone above and beyond in the programme.
“We have a strong relationship with Premiership Rugby and their clubs always pull out all the stops to fundraise for Sport Relief. The social change brought about by the HITZ programme is very important for Comic Relief.”
HITZ Awards – Champion Shortlist
• Ben Macdonald – Worcester Warriors
• Lacey Marshall – Sale Sharks
• Chris Dawson – Northampton Saints
All of the candidates shortlisted also act as fantastic role models for other HITZ participants in their area, who see their success and are motivated to set similar targets of their own.
The award winning HITZ programme tackles some of the greatest challenges facing young people today – unemployment, crime and disillusionment.
Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by national partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence.
It gives them the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. Please visit hitzrugby.com to find out more.
The HITZ Awards will take place on February 4.