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:
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
