Hundreds of Rugby World Cup tickets go free to Newham residents
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales, centre, with Cllr Ken Clark, right, and Cllr Idris Ibrahim, lead member for Custom House and Canning Town Community Neighbourhood announcing the 100 days ticket offer to residents. Picture: Andrew Baker - Credit: Andrew Baker
Five hundred tickets for the Rugby World Cup this summer are to be handed out free to members of the community.
The generous gesture comes as today marks 100 days to go until the start of the global tournament on September 18.
The tickets, which offer lucky residents the chance to watch the world’s top teams clash at the five matches being held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, are part of England Rugby 2015’s Engaged Ticketing programme.
England Rugby 2015 managing director, Stephen Brown, said: “We want the scheme to help encourage participation and growth of the game by rewarding young enthusiastic players and supporters by watching the world’s best teams during the tournament.”
The tickets were handed to Newham Council for its role as a host city for the world cup, who will pass them on to residents, organisations and schools across its eight community neighbourhood areas.
Already set to benefit are volunteers at a community garden, a group of young carers and children involved in grassroots rugby (see below for a list).
Cllr Ken Clark, cabinet member for building communities and public affairs, said the council was “delighted” to acknowledge “our unsung heroes and organisations that play such an important part in their community”.
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He added: “With just 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, we want our residents talking about rugby and our young people inspired to take up the sport.
“Newham showed during the 2012 Games that we can create a festival atmosphere and we will be great hosts again later this year.”
The list of recipients include:
Plaistow Community Neighbourhood
• First Avenue Community Garden
• Newham Sixth Form College
Green Street Community Neighbourhood
• Katherine Road Community Centre Men’s 50+ group
• West Ham United Football Foundation Young Mentors
East Ham Community Neighbourhood:
• Street Ambassadors project
• Active Centre over-50s project
Custom House and Canning Town Community Neighbourhood
• Shipman Youth project
• Ladysmith Road Community Watch
Manor Park Community Neighbourhood:
• Dost project for young refugees and migrants
• Bluebell Sheltered Accommodation
Stratford and West Ham Community Neighbourhood:
• Family Action Young Carers
• Deafroots
Beckton and Royal Docks Community Neighbourhood:
• Fight for Peace
• Newham Chinese Association
Forest Gate Community Neighbourhood:
• Woodcraft Folk youth organisation
• Forest Gate Youth Zone
