Paul O'Connell launches school competition to win €50k

Aldi and the IRFU have today announced the launch of an exciting new competition for primary schools to win one of two €50,000 school sports facility makeovers in 2019.

Open to all primary schools the initiative is the latest from the free Aldi Play Rugby programme and builds on the successful partnership to date.

The partnership has seen the programme double the number of primary schools signed up and increased the number of children taking part in the programme to over 100,000 in 2018.

Launching the competition is former Ireland and Munster rugby captain Paul O’Connell, who as the Aldi Play Rugby Ambassador, is calling on primary schools across the country including County Westmeath to take part, and for pupils and communities to work together as a team to support their local primary school.

The competition is easy to enter and works by primary schools collecting 300 of Aldi’s exclusive Irish rugby men’s and women’s stickers for their school. Shoppers collect one sticker for every €30 they spend in store between January 28 and April 7.

Participating primary schools add the stickers to a large Aldi Play Rugby Poster and for every 300 stickers collected, they answer an Irish rugby trivia question and are in with a chance of winning €50,000 for the primary school’s playing facilities.

Open to all primary schools nationwide, teachers, coaches, parents and school children interested in taking part in the competition can learn more by visiting www.aldi.ie/playrugby

Ambassador Paul O’Connell said: “I know from experience what a difference good quality coaching, equipment and facilities can make, especially in the early years of developing as a player.

"Aldi Play Rugby is already making a real impact with young kids, having helped over 100,000 boys and girls to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle through rugby, up from 68,000 children taking part just three years ago.

"Now, Aldi Play Rugby is moving up a gear and this competition creates a world of opportunity for two lucky primary schools to each win a €50,000 upgrade to their sports and playing facilities.

"I’d encourage every Irish primary school pupil to get involved, and for Aldi shoppers including in County Westmeath to get behind their local schools and help them reach that 300-sticker goal.”