Alun Wyn Jones has been confirmed as the first ever Ambassador for Ospreys in the Community (OitC).
Pictured above are Alun Wyn Jones with Paul Whapham of Ospreys in the Community
The Ospreys and Wales captain will represent the not-for-profit, charitable organisation at a number of key events throughout the year, promoting the good work of the OitC team and helping utilise the undoubted power of the Ospreys brand in a positive fashion to make an impact in communities across the region.
Jones has previously shown his commitment to OitC, attending its formal launch at the Liberty Stadium just 15 months ago, and then representing OitC at the launch of ‘TACKLE' last October, an exciting new joint project between the four professional teams in Wales and Pro Rugby Wales, funded by BT Sport’s charitable initiative, The Supporters Club.
Speaking about his appointment as OitC Ambassador, Jones said:
“I’ve agreed to represent Ospreys in the Community as it’s something I really believe in and want to get behind.
“Because of my involvement through the Ospreys, I’m fortunate enough to have seen the groundwork that was done prior to the initial launch of the Foundation and was proud to be a part of both the launch event and the ‘Tackle’ launch.
“I’ve seen first hand the great work that the team has already done, and continues to do, and the ambitious plans for the future now that they’ve achieved full charitable status.
“As someone who has come through the ranks of the region locally, I’m extremely honoured to have been invited to assist in this way and I’m looking forward to helping OitC to really thrive over the coming months and years.”
Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, OitC, added:
“We are thrilled and honoured that Alun Wyn has agreed to an ambassadorial role with OitC. Having such a respected and recognisable figurehead working with us can only serve to raise the profile of our organisation and help us have a positive impact in our communities.
“This is no token gesture from Alun Wyn. As anyone who knows him will understand, he doesn’t just put his name to something, he has to be convinced that the project or initiative is a meaningful one and really does stand for what it says it does.
“We look forward to working closely with him to help us really make a difference to the lives of the Ospreylian children, adults and families who we come into contact with.”
OitC is a not for profit foundation that was granted charitable status in November 2016, one year after it was formally launched at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
Although OitC shares a strong relationship with Ospreys Rugby, and forms a key part of the club’s long-term business strategy, it operates on an entirely independent basis to the professional rugby organisation.
OitC has already created a wide range of strategic partnerships enabling the creation and activation of innovative programmes that will be contained within four Strategic Themes; Education, Health, Sport, and Inclusion. These partnerships, which include international, national and local businesses, education and health authorities, and local and national Government departments, enabled OitC to engage with 17,000 people in its first year, with a target of reaching a further 20,000 in year two.
