The Rhinos Challenge 2013 staged by Leeds Rugby Foundation, Leeds Rhinos and ESF Events has been deemed a huge success by all involved.
The popular event was held at Butlins holiday resort in Skegness from Friday 17th May until Monday 20th May with matches being played on the middle Saturday & Sunday.
Under 8’s to Under 14’s teams from all over the country entered with the event seeing youngsters competing in a Rugby League 9’s Festival.
A total of 1500 people were accommodated at the Butlins resort where they had access to the superb facilities which included a funfair, bowling, cinema, go-kart track and the new £15 million Splash Water Park. There was also fantastic evening fun on show in the premier entertainment venues and there was quality accommodation and catering throughout the weekend.
Superb skills were on show throughout the festival too and on the Sunday a spectacular celebrity presentation ceremony was held. The Rhinos’ Stevie Ward and Ben Jones Bishop were joined by Leeds Rhinos Community Development Officer Keith Senior and of course Ronnie the Rhino to present the awards to the winners.
Every child received a medal as a memento of the festival and there were also awards on offer for the champions and the winners of the Rhinos Challenge Magic Moment Award in each age group.
Following the event, there has been a host of positive feedback from parents of the children involved and coaches of the participating clubs who are all excited for next year’s festival.
Dan Berndtson of Skirlaugh Bulls commented: “Thanks for a fantastic weekend. The event was really well organised, and all the kids and parents enjoyed themselves immensely. We look forward to attending again next time.”
Andy Reynolds of Rodley Rockets was another who was thrilled with the weekend.
“A wonderful event enjoyed by all. Thanks also to all the staff for putting on the presentation show from all at the Rodley Rockets. I'm sure the kids want to go back next year. Thanks again, keep up the good work!”
Birstall Victoria also tweeted: “Thanks for a brilliant weekend. Both the kids and parents thoroughly enjoyed it. Bring on the Rhinos Challenge 2014!”
Tom Conroy confirmed Dewsbury Moor will be back next year: “Dewsbury Moor U13's had a fantastic time AND we will definitely be back next year!”
The successful day was particularly successful for a number of winning teams which were as follows:
U8
Winners: Wigan St Judes
Runners Up: Birstall Victoria
U9
Winners: Macclesfield RC
Runners Up: Skirlaugh Bulls
U10
Winners: Skirlaugh Bulls
Runners Up: East Hull ARL
U11
Winners: Dewsbury Moor
Runners Up: Shaw Cross Sharks
U12
Winners: West Hull Lions
Runners Up: Rylands Sharks
U13
Winners: West Hull ARL
Runners Up: Dewsbury Moor
U14
Winners: Skirlaugh Bulls
Runners Up: Burtonwood Bulldogs 1’s
A full list of the final standings for each age group is available at www.esfscorecentre.co.uk.
Following the success of the Rhinos Challenge 2013, the 2014 Rhinos Challenge Festival dates have now been confirmed as Friday 16th – Monday 19th May 2014 at Butlins, Skegness. Full details are available at www.rhinoschallenge.co.uk.
Alternatively you can call ESF Events on: 01664 566360 or email info@rhinoschallenge.co.uk for a free colour brochure.