S4C has announced its 2007 appeal, which is called Hybu Rygbi, aimed at helping causes close to the hearts of rugby communities in Wales.
The appeal, led by commentator and former rugby Wales rugby captain, Dr Gwyn Jones, is different from the channels usual annual appeal campaigns, as S4C will not be raising money directly. Instead, the channel will be offering support to clubs, societies, individuals and charities connected to rugby as they organise fund-raising events.
Events can vary from raising money to improve local club facilities or supporting children and youth teams to a wide range of other important causes. S4Cs appeal will help to raise awareness of key causes through its programmes and personalities.
It is an appropriate time to launch the appeal as S4C prepares for its coverage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in September and October. Other rugby coverage includes the Magners League, Heineken Cup, The Konica Minolta Cup, The Principality Premiership, the French league and cup, seven-a-side, world rugby and rugby league
The appeal follows another sporting initiative by S4C. In November last year, the channel launched its Golf Scholarship Fund in which scholarships were awarded to two promising young Welsh golfers including a master class with Ian Woosnam.
S4C Director of Commissioning Rhian Gibson said: Sport is a key component of S4Cs output, with rugby a prominent feature of our autumn schedule. This years appeal demonstrates S4Cs commitment to sport in Wales at community level.
Gwyn Jones said: The Hybu Rygbi appeal is a great way to help communities and rugby clubs throughout Wales raise money for causes which are important to them. We hope that a wide range of projects will benefit from S4Cs unique offer of support. After my serious rugby injury, I was glad of the support I received from a number of organisations, both rugby-related and otherwise. I hope other people can now benefit through S4Cs appeal.
If you are interested in organising a fundraising event which is related to rugby and want S4C's help, please visit www.s4c.co.uk/support for details or contact the S4C Viewers Hotline on 0870 6004141.