Building the Otago community is a priority
Building the Otago community is a priority for the Otago Rugby Football Union, a value it shares with the Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).
The Foundation was an official charity partner of the Union from 2014-2018, with the union’s players proudly displaying the OMRF logo on their jerseys. While 2018 sees the Union’s extending its support to a new charity, the alliance has been a positive one.
OMRF Director of Development Susan Sims said the partners have been well aligned, as both organisations work hard at developing and retaining talent in Otago.
“Supporting Otago researchers who do world-class medical research is what sets the Foundation apart; it’s important that we foster the medical research community for the good of Otago. Sponsors appreciate that the grants and scholarships help develop young people and their research projects now, with positive outcomes for the health and wellness for all of us long into the future. We at the Foundation are truly grateful for the support of Otago Rugby, and wish them every success with their new charity partner for 2018.”
Established in 1881, the Union is one of the most iconic unions in the country and is the governing body for rugby in the Otago region. The “Golden O” is recognised both internationally and throughout New Zealand as the symbol of a union with a proud history of fostering and developing rugby at all levels and contributing to success on a national level through players, coaches and administrators.
It supports the delivery of competitions comprising 33 clubs across one of the biggest geographic regions in New Zealand.
Otago Rugby Union Commercial Manager Matt McLennan said many great players have come through the union’s development pathway and through continued investment in our Otago Rugby Academy programme. “We will continue to nurture and develop a new breed of future stars and reinforce Otago as a centre of excellence for identifying and producing local talent.”
“We have valued the association with the Otago Medical Research Foundation because of that strong Otago focus – anything that we can do to help build a resilient community is good for all of us. We wish the Foundation well for their ongoing support of medical research here in Otago.”