Big surprise for National Lottery Funded Hero Ann Brown at Easter Road
On Saturday, the National Lottery’s ‘Big Surprise’ will honour
Ann Brown, founder of Team United Sports, after a visit to Easter Road Stadium.
. The National Lottery’s ‘Big Surprise’ celebrates
individuals around the UK who have made a real difference with the help of
National Lottery funding.
The ‘Big Surprise’ is a 90-second weekly slot during the ad break of Saturday night primetime STV and ITV shows – meaning Ann, 60 from Edinburgh, is set to get national recognition with around five million people expected to tune in across STV and the ITV network.
Team United Sports supports young people with disabilities
in overcoming the social barriers they may face when taking part in sports and
creates a path for players to build their confidence, self-esteem and learn how
to work as part of a team. In 2018, the charity won both a Sunday Mail
sportscotland Scottish Sports Award and the Scottish FA Best Para Programme
award.
Ann set up Team United Sports in 2016, inspired by her son
Andrew, who thrived playing football as a child and went on to win a gold medal
in the Special Olympics. Ann has spent her life supporting children with autism
and their parents. She previously held the position of Chief Executive at the
Lothian Autistic Society.
During half-time of Hibs last game of the season against Aberdeen at Easter Road, Ann’s son Andrew, and her husband Mike, took to the centre of the pitch to give their special thanks and lead the stadium in a round of applause.
Ann said, “This has been a passion of mine for such a long
time. For things to really come together for Team United Sports and to get the
recognition for the work that we’re doing is a massive achievement and I’m
proud of everyone in our team.
“It was a huge accomplishment for Andrew to come out and
speak in front of the thousands of people at Easter Road. He has such an
amazing story, what with being selected for Team GB, playing in the Special
Olympics and going on to win a gold medal. Hopefully we now have 40 other
children who will have gained the life skills and confidence to make the most
of any opportunities that come their way.”
Andrew said, “My mum has always supported me and it’s great
to come here to celebrate the work she does for Team United Sports and to thank
her.
“She helps kids with autism gain valuable life skills via
playing football. It’s about teamwork and they also teach interview skills
which really helps build their confidence.
“The charity also provides valuable support to parents and
creates a community where they can help each other and watch their children
develop.”
Ann’s ‘Big Surprise’ will air on STV and ITV at 8.15pm (25
May) during the ad break in Britain’s Got Talent, and the all-important
Saturday night Lotto results will also be revealed.
Team United Sports received £9,158 of funding from The
National Lottery Community Fund in 2018. National Lottery players raise, on
average, over £30M for National Lottery-funded projects every week across the
arts, sports, heritage, health, education, environment, charity and voluntary
sectors.
‘The Big Surprise’ is the continuation of the return of The
National Lottery results to primetime TV through a commercial partnership with
ITV (from 14 April 2018).
For more information on National Lottery funding please
visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
For more information on Team United Sports please visit: