Leeds Rhinos Foundation celebrated Rugby League in the city of Leeds with the 9th annual Celebration of Rugby League Dinner at the Headingley Stadium Long Bar at the weekend.
The event unites all constituents of the Leeds Rugby League family to honour and recognise the hard work and achievements of clubs and personnel involved in the game throughout the city.
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott attended the event along with members of the Leeds Rhinos playing squad and rugby league stars of the past as guest speakers for the 175 rugby league representatives in attendance.
As part of the occasion, life-long community Rugby League devotee Mick Kielty collected the John Ahm Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work as co-founder of Kippax Welfare. The award made an appearance at the event for the first time, in memory of the late John Ahm who died in June 2015.
Also picking up an award on the night was Bernard Shooman who won the John Holmes Memorial Award for his services to amateur Rugby League as a Grade One Referee, coach, scout alongside holding many administrative roles in the game at both professional and amateur level.
The event also recognised the efforts and hard work of individuals in the city connected to the game and an acknowledgement of the city's achievements from all of the organisations within Rugby League in the city.
Guests also supported the Leeds Rhinos Foundation on the night through a raffle, with all proceeds going to support the Foundation's Community Programme of Rugby League Development within the city and widening areas.
Event Organiser Sam Horner commented:
"I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came to the event to recognise some of the very special people involved in our great game, providing a fitting tribute on the night to all the volunteers, coaches, referees, players and administrators of Rugby League in the city of Leeds.
"A huge thank you also to Cancer Research charity, Charity Soul, who gave up their time for free to entertain everybody at the end the night."