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Connolly Motor Group recently announced their official partnership as a van supplier for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Rio Ferdinand Foundation offers sports, media, and culture programmes to inspire young people, build employment and leadership skills and create pathways that enable them to reach their potential. The Volkswagen Caddy recently collected by the Foundation at Connolly’s Volkswagen Sligo will be used for exposure of their programmes, and transporting equipment around the West of Ireland.
Set up by former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2012, the Foundation addresses issues of inequality that Rio had experienced in his own life, growing up in Peckham, South London. Supporting and empowering young people from working-class communities, tackling racism and inequality, and providing opportunities and pathways to deliver social mobility and realize personal potential.
In March 2024, Rio Ferdinand visited the West of Ireland with the Foundation for a showcase match between youngsters from the southern border counties and Northern Ireland at Sligo Rovers F.C. The Showgrounds for the #BeyondTheBall celebration event.
As part of his visit, Connolly’s Volkswagen and Audi Ballina were chosen as Rio and his foundation’s form of transport during his visit.
The Foundation create opportunities for young people to tackle inequality, achieve their personal potential and drive social change. The Foundation provides support under the four strategic themes Safe spaces; Health and Wellbeing; Strong, Safe, and Inclusive Communities; and Progression, Skills and Employment. Priding themselves working with young people and partners from projects across the UK and Ireland.
“This news takes the partnership between Connolly’s and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to a new level for 2025/26. Following our collaboration in Sligo last year, this new vehicle will allow us to grow and extend our programme across a number of counties in Ireland. Big thanks to all involved at Connolly’s for the continued support and investment in their local communities.” - Gary Stannett, CEO, Rio Ferdinand Foundation.
“It’s a fantastic partnership for Connolly Motor Group. We pride ourselves on supporting local community. The Foundation has done a brilliant job of developing, engaging with and facilitating opportunities for young people across Ireland and especially in the west. We look forward to being part of this journey.” – Dean Conran, Marketing Manager, Connolly Motor Group
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