Stankevitch Foundation arranges treat for Widnes & Saints fans
Former St Helens forward John Stankevitch is urging Widnes and St Helens fans to get down to the Select Security Stadium on October 16, for a festival of rugby league.
The day’s action kicks off at 11.30m, when two junior club sides from each rival town face each other.
The best amateur players from each town will then face off against each other at 12.45pm.
The main event is something to really savour, when St Helens and Widnes Legend go up against each other at 3pm.
All money raised from the day will go to the Cathie Stankevitch Foundation, a body which aims: “To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.”
“It was an idea that was put to me about six months ago,” Stankevitch explained to Love Rugby League.
“Initially I wasnt too sure that the ex-professionals would support it, because I can appreciate that the ex-pro’s are getting older, and injuries from their playing days take their toll a bit more as they get older.
“But after speaking with about 10 lads who were all keen, we thought we would give it a go and see what we can achieve.
“So far we have 28 players, both ex-Widnes and ex-St Helens players, who have committed to playing, which is absolutely fantastic.
“Within that group we have Super League winners, Challenge Cup winners, World Club Challenge winners and former internationals.
“The Legends game will hopefully be a big draw for the fans, but as well as the Legends game we will also have a very competitive inter-town game between Widnes Amateur Select and St Helens Amateur Select.
“This is game that hasn’t been played for quite a few years and the players and coaches that I have spoken with that are involved, can’t wait to get on the field, so I hope the fans also come out for this game.
“Prior to the two ‘open-age’ games we are having another inter-town game, which is a junior friendly between West Bank Bears from Widnes and Blackbrook from St Helens.
“The game is at Under-9’s and the two teams have already met earlier this season and the match was a cracker. So again, I hope the kids are supported.”
But the fun does not stop with the games, with further entertainment planned for the evening.
“We also have an evening event which we are really excited about,” Stankevitch said.
“There will be a few singers and a disco, and its looking very promising that we will have lots of Legends in attendance as well, with current players too.
“All money raised at the event will be for the Cathie Stankevitch Foundation which is now a registered charity, and the money will be used to support and deliver local community projects for children and young people that are disadvantaged and facing barriers to being able to participate in sport.”