Long-standing volunteer, Learning Disability Super League player and lifelong Rhinos supporter Richard Tate has been announced as a new Vice President of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, joining Sir Kevin Sinfield and James Milner MBE in the honorary role.
For more than 20 years, Richard Tate has been a much-loved part of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, making an incredible contribution to the charity through his volunteering, involvement in community programmes and unwavering support of Leeds Rhinos.
His appointment as Vice President recognises the lasting impact he has made on the Foundation and the countless people who have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside him over the years.
Whether he is helping out on matchdays at AMT Headingley Stadium, whatever the weather, supporting health and wellbeing programmes or pulling on the shirt to represent the Rhinos LDSL team, his enthusiasm, commitment and love for the club hasn’t gone unnoticed.
He has also been a regular volunteer at many of our health and wellbeing programmes, including our Parkinson’s physical activity group and In Touch dementia support group, which bring people together through shared experiences, social connection and physical activity.
Alongside his volunteering, Richard has represented the Leeds Rhinos in the Learning Disability Super League team, taking to the field to play the sport he loves across the country.
His journey with the Foundation has also seen him grow in confidence over the years, demonstrating the positive impact that belonging to a team, building friendships and having opportunities to volunteer can have on an individual.
Bob Bowman, Chief Executive Officer of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, commented on the appointment:
“Richard has been part of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation family for more than 20 years, and his appointment as a Vice President is wonderful recognition of everything he has given to the charity over that time.
“Everyone who is close to the Foundation knows Richard. He is someone who lives and breathes Leeds Rhinos, and his commitment to the Foundation is second to none.
“It has been fantastic to see Richard grow in confidence over the years. He is a valued member of our community, and we are incredibly proud of the role he plays within the Foundation. To see him take his place alongside Sir Kevin Sinfield and James Milner as a Vice President is thoroughly deserved, and we are delighted to recognise his outstanding contribution.”
Amongst those closest to Richard is Sam Horner, who has worked closely with Richard and has formed a bond with him outside of his volunteering. Their close relationship reflects the connections that make the Foundation can form, with its work extending far beyond participation in sport to create lasting friendships, a sense of belonging and opportunities for people to thrive.
Sam Horner added:
“Richard is such a special person and has become like a brother to me over the past 22 years. I’ve seen first-hand how much he has grown in confidence over the years, and it has been brilliant to be part of that journey with him.
“He is always willing to get involved and I’m incredibly proud of Richard and everything he has achieved. He means a great deal to so many people here, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
“To see him become a Vice President of the Foundation is a really special moment and if anyone embodies our mission statement of Changing Lives Through the Power of Sport, it is Richard.”
As he takes on his new honorary role alongside Sir Kevin Sinfield and James Milner MBE, Richard will continue to be an important part of the Foundation’s story and we are extremely excited to make this announcement at our 21st Anniversary Dinner on Saturday evening.