Christmas is the time of year when we think of others and spend time with our families and Leeds Rhinos are opening up their doors on Sunday 12th December for a unique event where the Leeds public can combine both to support Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
The first ever ‘Rhinos Festive 5K and Family Day’ takes place from 10am until 1pm on Sunday 12th December at Headingley Stadium with fans able to raise funds to support the incredible work of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation in the city, plus a donation from the day will also be made to the appeal to build the Rob Burrow MND Care Centre in Leeds.
A special route has been designed that takes the public all the way around the Headingley Stadium complex in a 1km walk with people encouraged to gain sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues to complete five laps.
The walkers will be joined on the day by some very special guests with players from the Rhinos men’s and women’s and netball teams plus academy players and members of the Rhinos Physical Disability Rugby League and Learning Disability Rugby League sides on a special day to celebrate everything that is special about the Rhinos after a tough two years that has kept us apart for so long.
Through the funds raised, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation will be able provide equipment and put on events throughout the City to increase sporting participation, especially amongst females and those with a physical and learning disability.
The 5km walk is open for anyone to join in, they must register in advance (it is free) and fundraise to be a part of it. Fans can register by CLICKING HERE
There is a special fundraising page for all donations that those taking part can share with their own family and friends at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/RhinosFestive5K.
The South Stand Car Park and South Stand concourse will be full of festive entertainment and food and drink along with an Under 10s Rugby Festival taking place on the pitch and player interviews after the walk which fans can enjoy from the South Stand terrace and seats. Although we would like as many people as possible raising funds by doing the walk, those who are not feeling so energetic, can come along with their family and friends to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at the stadium instead – it is free!
All walkers will register in South Stand concourse on arrival between 10am-10.45am and the walk will start at the John Holmes Statue at 11am. Festive fancy dress is encouraged so dig out the Christmas jumpers and Santa hats and there will be prizes for the best dressed walkers on the day.
Car Parking is free and available in Car Park F on the day.
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added, “We are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to Headingley Stadium for this special event. We hope it will become the first of an annual event that will just get bigger and bigger in the years ahead.
“The Leeds Rhinos Foundation has done some brilliant work in our city, especially during the dark days of the pandemic, but to enable them to continue this work we have to raise funds and this is a fun way to help to do that and most importantly have a great day out together at Headingley Stadium.
“It will be a unique gathering of players from all the Rhinos team for the first time and an opportunity for our fans and sponsors to join in too. I am hoping we can attract as many as 20 teams to come and participate.”
Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar said: “All our players and staff are looking forward to it and it’s events like these which makes our Club so special.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation CEO Bob Bowman said: “All the funds raised will help our charity create more opportunities for youngsters and especially those with disabilities to engage in sport. And, we will be able to provide more support for the Rob Burrow MND Centre in Leeds too. As the official charity of the Rhinos, we are proud of our partnership and the support from the players is outstanding.”