Yorkie the Lion is bellowing with pride after clinching the
coveted first place in the Football League Mascot Race earlier
today (Friday, 26 October) in support of Prostate Cancer UK.
The York City FC mascot triumphed at the half furlong (approx.
100m) dash held at Doncaster race course, which saw 26 mascots from
23 clubs across England take on the race. The challenge was part of
Prostate Cancer UK's partnership with The Football League to raise
awareness of prostate cancer - the most common cancer in men in the
UK.
The competition was fearsome. Chasing Yorkie, in second place
was Billy Brewer from Burton Albion FC, and Chaddy Owl from Oldham
Athletic AFC secured third place. The trio were presented with
medals by Sukhi Dale, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Prostate
Cancer UK.
Sukhi said: "We would like to thank all the mascots who took
part in today's race. Each and every one made a sterling effort to
cross the line first and help raise awareness of a disease
affecting 250,000 men in the UK, in one of the charity's more
unconventional events this year.
"It's not every day you see dozens of dogs, rams and
monkeys bounding along a race course, but everyone entered
the dash in exactly the right spirit. A special well done has to go
to Yorkie the Lion, though, who now has the prestigious
mantle
of being this year's Mascot Race winner."
John Nagle, Head of Communications at The Football League, said:
"Many congratulations to Yorkie the Lion for taking the Mascot Race
title, and well done to all the mascots that came along to support
our partnership with Prostate Cancer UK.
"It was a fantastic occasion and will hopefully help to raise
awareness of prostate cancer amongst football and racing fans
alike."
The Mascot Race marks the beginning of a weekend of racing
during which The Racing Post - which is also partnered with the
charity - will dedicate The Prostate Cancer UK Charity Race in
support of the charity on Saturday, and hold a 5k 'Do it for Dad'
fun run on Sunday.
Prostate Cancer UK's partnership with The Football League will
run throughout the 2012/13 season, with the aim of raising funds
for and awareness of the disease amongst the football community and
the wider public.