To celebrate National Volunteers Week, Tony Spruce, AKA Kemik the Viking, delivered the match ball ahead of Sunday’s game against London Broncos.
We wanted to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing work that our amazing volunteers do for both our club and community foundation.
As part of the Vikings’ commitment to this and to recognise some people close to the club’s heart, Tony was chosen as the latest Community Champion and subsequently presented the match ball to referee Anthony Sweet prior to kick-off on Sunday.
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Tony has volunteered as club mascot Kemik for 12 years, but actually started out supporting the club over 30 years ago by selling lifeline tickets and scratch cards around the ground on match days.
Some of Tony’s most memorable moments whilst volunteering for the Vikings include being on the pitch when the Vikings beat Leigh to get to Wembley in the 1895 Cup, and doing hospital visits to fans as Kemik and seeing the children’s face’s light up.
When asked why he volunteers, Tony said: “The club does so much good work in our community, especially with the Extra Time groups which support people with mental health problems.
“I am very proud to help the club in any way I can!”
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The delivery of the ball is part of a new initiative by the Vikings which will happen at every home game to recognise outstanding contributions to the club and its community.
Members of the club’s Golden Generation group delivered the ball ahead of the Vikings’ victory over Barrow Raiders in April, while Harlow McGuiness and Nelly Gilmore were selected as Community Champions for last month’s clash with Featherstone Rovers as part of the club’s commitment to National Deaf Awareness Week.
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