Hampshire Cricket Disability Project Calls For Votes

Bluebird Care Hampshire Disability Cricket Project is urging people to vote for them to win the title of the UK’s Best Sport Project now that the final round of voting has opened in The National Lottery Awards 2011.

The project is Hampshire’s only finalist competing in The National Lottery Awards, the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.  It now needs the public’s backing to beat just two other finalists -  Active Newcastle, a community sports initiative, and Chase Trails Cycle Project in Cannock Chase - and win the Best Sport category.

Bluebird Care Hampshire Disability Cricket promotes disability cricket in a wide range of areas.  It motivates people with disabilities to play the game, encouraging them to become coaches, offering coaching at a high standard and working with cricket clubs advocating the inclusion of disabled cricket within them.

Greig Stewart, Cricket Development Officer for the HCB Disability Cricket Project, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have made it to the final of The National Lottery Awards. It’s great to have the opportunity to show everyone who has ever played the Lottery the real difference their money has made to our project.  We hope that the local community will now vote for us to win so that our staff, volunteers and everyone involved in the project receive the recognition they deserve.”

This year’s National Lottery Awards are supported by Lottery draw show host, Myleene Klass, she says:  “The National Lottery Awards recognise the immense impact that Lottery-funded projects have on people and communities across the UK.   Lottery players raise a massive £28 million a week for Good Causes, that’s almost £3,000 every minute.  This funds something for everyone from big projects like museums and art galleries to helping local sport, heritage and community groups.
 
“These finalists showcase the selfless volunteers and unsung heroes who are using Lottery funding to improve the lives of others.  This is your final chance to pay tribute to them by voting for your favourite project.  Please get behind your local project and secure them national recognition - every vote counts!”

There are seven categories in the Awards, which reflect the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, voluntary/charity, environment, health (in association with iVillage.co.uk) and education (in association with Best magazine). There will be one winner in each category which will receive national recognition at a star-studded event later this year, broadcast on BBC One, as well as a £2,000 cash prize[1] to spend on their project.

Public voting for the final starts at 9am on 2 September and ends at midday on 26 September. The public can vote for Bluebird Care Hampshire Disability Cricket Project by calling 0844 836 9724 or going online to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards