Staff from TryZone were able to recognise the progress and achievements of all the children who had attended the centre this year with an awards evening at the stadium, including speakers and staff from partners British Gas and Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
With the academic year coming to a close, Nigel Wood and his team of staff from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s purpose built education centre enjoyed a night of celebration for parents and friends of the pupils who have come through a range of projects run by TryZone this year.
Key partners British Gas along with Leeds Rhinos Foundation trustees Phil Caplan and Jamie Jones-Buchanan were in attendance for the presentation in the Premier Suite at Headingley Carnegie Stadium that acknowledged the progress both mentors and students have made during the year with a series of video highlights of the students work and testimony from TryZone staff Jaci Hawkins, Clayton Stott, Janet Sylvester and Nigel Wood.
British Gas who have supported TryZone with volunteer staff throughout the year on different projects, including the Work Club and Zone 6-7, provided speeches from Natasha Wilmer and Jason Wright, commenting on their positive experiences working with the children and thanking the TryZone staff for the opportunity.
To round off the night, Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan gave a speech about being the best you can be and not giving in, recognising the contribution of staff, tutors, volunteers and mentors to another fantastic year:
“What is great about this awards night is how diverse and different it is every year, a new group of kids and adults as well, who are doing a new group of skills. The Foundation staff at try zone are unbelievable, Jaci, Janet, Clayton, Tyler and Nigel Wood are doing a fantastic job that probably goes unnoticed sometimes but i’ve certainly been down there and seen a lot of what they are doing for local kids and adults in the local community.
“We can’t do this without our supporters who finance these initiatives, everything costs money and British Gas have been outstanding…..they are not just token sponsors either, they are here today but have also provided staff to TryZone and will be here on Sunday for Children’s Day as well and they are really behind the Foundation which is great to see, so thanks to them as well.”
For more information on TryZone and the education projects available at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation visit: www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org/education/index.php
A video of the presentation night with an interview from Jamie Jones-Buchanan can be seen below: