Date: 10 December 2007

Backgammon Series 2 Grand Final ends with a bang

Following almost a year of intense competition spread across five qualifying rounds, Norwood’s Backgammon Series 2 culminated last week in the Grand Final at luxurious restaurant Hush in central London. The event, sponsored by The Pears Charitable Foundation, was won by Irving Gordon who beat Tom Duggan to claim the first prize of £2,000. The evening raised £30,000 for Norwood, the UK’s leading Jewish charity for children and families. The 2007 series, which has established itself as one of the leading tournaments on the backgammon circuit, raised a record total of £80,000 for the Charity.

After a cocktail reception and meal, an auction and raffle were held, with prizes including a Dunhill Centric watch and a Smythson Backgammon Set. It was then time for the sixty-four finalists to get down to some serious competition, which took several hours before the final outcome was decided.

Mark Pollack, Chair of Backgammon Committee, commented: "This year’s tournament has not only raised substantial funds for the Norwood but it has also attracted a high standard of player and has been a really enjoyable social event. I would like to thank both our sponsors and the numerous players who participated in all of the tournaments throughout the year. The money raised from these tournaments will go towards providing vital services to vulnerable children and families in the community".

Michelle Lassman, Norwood Community Fundraiser, said: "Norwood’s Backgammon Series Two has been the most successful series yet, and I’d like to thank the Backgammon Committee, the Pears Foundation and all of the the players for making it such a great event.”

For further information please contact David Wosner, Public Relations Officer at Norwood on 020 8420 6942 or email david.wosner@norwood.org.uk