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As part of an annual competition, the Belfast Giants – the only professional ice hockey team on the island of Ireland and current treble champions – work alongside Pizza Guyz to host ‘BASE-OFF’; a pizza-making competition where the winning player is able to donate to a charity of their choosing.

The competition was made up of multiple rounds. In each round, following a pizza producing masterclass, four Giants players went head-to-head in plight of producing the best pizza.

The winner of each round progressed to a championship finale, where the overall winner of the competition was decided. When the final winner was crowned following the championship finale, Pizza Guyz donated a sum of £500 to the winning player's charity of choice.

Last season's champion was #2 Sam Ruopp! Sam chose Rural Support as his charity to support and was delighted to be able to contribute towards the great work they carry out, in particular the Life Beyond programme. Sam is from a family farm in Saskatchewan, Canada where there is no kind of support provided to farmers who experience loss and grief.

Josh Roach (representing Sam Roupp and himself), Hannah Kirkpatrick, Rural Support, Ciaran Kelly, founder of Pizza Guyz. Picture: Rural Support

Commenting on the charity Sam said: “As someone who grew up in a farming, rural community, the Life Beyond programme for a charity that supports rural communities deeply resonates with me. This organisation provides crucial assistance to farming families who are struggling with grief after the loss of a loved one.

“In the context of a farm, such a loss can have serious consequences, as the responsibilities of caring for animals, crops, and other tasks continue without pause. It is my hope that the contributions made to this charity can provide much-needed support and comfort to those who are going through a tough time.

“Unbeknownst to me at the time, my incredibly talented pizza-making abilities would lead to making an impact in someone’s life.”

In addition to the BASE-OFF competition donation, Sam, along with team mate Josh Roach, raffled off their Belfast Giants team jerseys for Rural Support, raising close to £700 for the charity.

Donations like this help Rural Support continue their great work and help raise awareness for the charity. If you would like to donate, fundraise for Rural Support or find out more information about the charity please contact our support line on 0800 138 1678 or visit our website www.ruralsupport.org.uk.

A giant donation is made to Rural Support