The National Lottery is encouraging all projects in Northern Ireland, and the thousands like them across the UK that have received Lottery funding in the past 15 years, to enter the Awards and gain recognition for their work. Joan Grenville from the National Lottery Promotions Unit said, “The Community Sports Pavilion in Beragh won Best Sports Project last year and it would superb to have another Northern Ireland winner, however time is running out as all completed entries must be in by 5pm on Friday 19 February 2010.”
Former Coronation Street actress, Sally Lindsay, is supporting The National Lottery Awards 2010. She says: “Lottery players raise £25 million every week for projects both large and small, which are benefiting people, places and communities all across the UK. These Awards are the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and are an opportunity to highlight just some of the fantastic work that is being done with that money, as well as recognising the dedication of the people behind the projects who are making a difference in their communities.
Sally continues: “The deadline for entries is drawing closer so if a Lottery-funded project has had a positive impact on your local area, made a real difference to your life or if you are personally involved with a project that is transforming your community with the help of Lottery funding, then now is your last chance to nominate.”
The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will appear on a star-studded prime-time BBC1 TV show later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize.
The Awards have seven categories – each reflecting an area of Lottery funding:
Sport; Heritage; Arts; Environment; Voluntary/Charity (in association with Woman magazine), Health and Education.
So if you want to see a winner from Northern Ireland in one or more of these categories in 2010 call 020 7324 4366 to make your nomination or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.