SOUTHERN KNIGHTS have extended their partnership with CGI, meaning the global IT and business consulting services company will be the Super6 franchise’s headline sponsor for a second year.
The target for Super6’s return from lockdown is now March when it is hoped that the easing of Covid restrictions will allow for the launch of a full domestic programme.
“The partnership between CGI and the Southern Knights is not only focussed on supporting and celebrating rugby in the Scottish Borders at a national level, this year the relationship will also seek to bring additional benefits to the local community, especially in these most challenging times,” said a statement issued by Southern Knights.
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CGI, which has offices in Newtown St Boswells, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, has been instrumental in supporting digital transformations in councils in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Borders. One example is the award winning Inspire Learning Programme for pupils from primary four to sixth year in high school throughout the Scottish Borders, which uses iPads and an array of other tools to support learning and aims to benefit all children and teachers by raising attainment, support equity and inclusion, and to work towards preparing young people for a digital future.
“CGI and Scottish Borders Council employees will have the opportunity to volunteer alongside team players and deliver fitness camps for children living in economically deprived areas. They will also host mobility classes for the elderly and infirm adults, and offer free match tickets to children,” said the statement.
“The Southern Knights will also support initiatives to promote future career choices in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by providing merchandise as competition prizes and participate in children’s STEM camps which make good use of the Inspire Learning programme.”
Southern Knights head coach Rob Chrystie welcomed the announcement. “Our agreement to work in partnership for the benefit of the wider community at this time is something we are very much looking forward to being involved in,” he said. “This, along with CGI’s Inspire Learning initiative, is such a great fit with the Southern Knights ethos.
“It’s so important to offer all children, whatever their background, the best opportunity to grow and develop in life. Here at the Greenyards we run a grassroots rugby programme that is inclusive, accessible, fun and inspirational for all. The Southern Knights will launch a new buddy scheme aligning some of their semi-professional players to the younger players to help encourage and develop their skills and to inspire children to play to the best of their ability.”
Lindsay McGranaghan, Vice President and Business Unit Leader for CGI Scotland, added: “CGI is proud to sponsor the Southern Knights for a second year and to be involved in supporting the communities in which our members live and work is something we are very proud of. We wish them every success in what promises to be a very exciting season ahead.
“In addition to the sponsorship of professional sport, we are also committed to encouraging grassroots sport, activity and fitness for all in communities throughout the Scottish Borders and we are pleased to have the chance to do this in conjunction with the Southern Knights.”
150 years ago today … the letter which changed rugby union forever