Prostate Cancer UK’s ever-growing Men United movement will take over Newcastle for Magic Weekend at the end of May – and one lucky fan could take centre stage by delivering the match ball for one of the six fixtures.
During an unforgettable weekend of entertainment on May 30 and 31 the organisation’s partnership with Rugby League Cares will see a host of activity in the city.
And one of the six fixtures will be extra Magic-al thanks to an exclusive prize draw which will support two great causes. Fans can enter to win this prize with a suggested donation of £5 on the prize draw website: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/magicweekend.
And as well as presenting the ball before kick-off, the lucky winner can settle back and watch the action unfold with a mate and later collect a signed ball from their selected team.
The deadline for the competition is 11.59pm on Monday, May 25, and money raised from this prize draw will help beat prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. It will also support good causes in the rugby league family too. All money raised will be split equally between the two charities.
For the 2015 Super League season players and coaches from all 12 clubs have pledged their allegiance to the new partnership by signing for Men United. All will work closely with the two organisations in what promises to be the most competitive season ever.
And as part of an action-packed North East takeover, one of the organisation‘s flagship Men United Arms will dovetail with an innovative fanzone outside St James Park’, including a specially-designed rugby rodeo.
More familiarly known as The Junction, the Men United Arms, which is a short walk from St James Park, will broadcast live Super League action across both days. BBC Sport’s Dave Woods will host a Magic Weekend breakfast together with some Rugby League legends in the pub on Sunday morning. Meals will cost just £4.99 with a 50p donation to Prostate Cancer UK. A special Men United Ale will also be on sale throughout the four days with 10p from every pint sold donated to the charity.
Elsewhere, there will be a Men United quiz and special Q&A including a host of star names from the sport and Sky Sports personalities on Friday evening as Newcastle Thunder host York City Knights on #magicfriday.
Rugby League Cares General Manager Chris Rostron said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Prostate Cancer UK for this exciting initiative around Magic Weekend.
“It’s shaping to be a fantastic few days in Newcastle as both organisations team up to raise awareness of a disease that each year affects thousands of men, many of whom will have a connection to rugby league. Magic offers a great opportunity to tackle that in an innovative way and we look forward to seeing one lucky supporter take centre stage thanks to this special competition.”
Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, Owen Sharp, said: “Magic Weekend has established itself not only as a major moment on the rugby league landscape but also across the sporting calendar as well, so we are really looking forward to taking over Newcastle – and offering this exciting opportunity to one lucky fan.
“The fact that, for one weekend only, teams and fans will convene at a historic venue is a perfect example of what we call Men United; getting together to fight for men’s health.
“Our Men United Arms have proved a real hit across the country, dovetailing with the hugely important initiatives we have rolled out, so what better place to do something great with your mates than experiencing a Magic Weekend Prostate Cancer UK style.”
Rugby league fans can join Men United and do something great with their mates to help beat prostate cancer, as well as having the chance to take the ball out virginmoneygiving.com/fund/magicweekend.
This summer Prostate Cancer UK is asking Men United to get active and fundraise. If people can’t attend Magic Weekend instead they can take on a cycle ride, a walk, a golf event, a BBQ or the Men United quiz to show their support. Visit prostatecanceruk.org for more information.
