More than £3.1 million of National Lottery funding was awarded in the Newry and Armagh constituency last year.
A total of 58 Lottery grants were given out in the area during 2016; providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.
A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including:
· £7,241 to the Firs Playgroup for gardening equipment for their community garden
· £7,615 to the Keady Older and Bolder Club for a series of activities for older people
· £1.9m to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the Armagh City Townscape Heritage Project
From today, these examples, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, has the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2017 – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.
National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.
John Barrowman MBE, presenter of the National Lottery Awards show, said: “The National Lottery Awards are a fabulous celebration of the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public. The Awards rightly put the focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary things with National Lottery funding, whose efforts go such a long way and are indeed changing lives. National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”
National Lottery Awards cover seven categories; Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out. There is also a Special Achievement Award to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to improving the lives of others.
If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3329 to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on 7 April 2017.
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