Winger Chieo Ogbene has been appointed the Ipswich Town Foundation’s new disability ambassador.

The 27-year-old, who takes over from George Edmundson, who moved on to Middlesbrough in January, has established relationships with participants in the Foundation’s disability provision since tearing an achilles tendon in October.

“After my injury, I wanted to offer myself in other ways and try to embed myself in the community,” the Republic of Ireland international told TownTV.

“I started attending the sessions and I fell in love with the people I’m working with, so when the opportunity came up to be an ambassador I wanted to take up the role.”

Ogbene told some of the participants that he was taking on the position and was pleased they were welcoming.

“I was nervous!” he added. “I’m happy with how well they took to me when I announced it, and they were happy to have me so that made me happy as well – I’m grateful!”

Over the past two seasons, the Foundation’s disability provision has grown with more than 100 participants engaged with on a weekly basis across five sessions - Adult Pan- disability, Youth Pan Disability, Frame Football, Powerchair Football and Comets.

Saturday’s game against Wolves is this year’s Foundation Fixture. The initiative, which was launched two seasons ago, has seen more than £85,000 raised.

The Foundation Fixture provides a crucial opportunity to showcase and raise awareness of its work.

To donate, visit the Foundation’s Crowdfunder page or text ITFC followed by the amount you would like to donate (ie ITFC10 to donate £10) to 70580.

Photo: Matchday Images

Leejames99 added 22:02 - Apr 3 Great stuff, be fab to have you back next season.
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Blueray added 07:33 - Apr 4 Yeah an excellent news item....reflects the mentality and attitude we want from a Town player. A great initiative anyway, and he's thought to himself ..'right I'm injured long term, how else can I contribute/make a difference'. Couldn't see Muric do this could you?
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d77sgw added 08:48 - Apr 4 I cannot fathom how a good news story is then used as a hook to start slagging Muric again. Sure, he's not had a great season, but is it any wonder the guy's confidence is shot?!?!
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Blueray added 09:39 - Apr 4 Alright it was a cheap shot against Muric...but his one big news out of the game is the accumulation of driving offences, 6pts and 21k fine.
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Blueray added 09:43 - Apr 4 Oh and getting chucked out of an international trip
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Alphawhiskey added 09:49 - Apr 4 Why keep having a pop at Muric? This article has nothing whatsoever to do with him. Ok he has cost us a few points over the season, so what! He has also saved us lots of points too from preventing nailed on goals. Many, many other players have cost us points too, all over the pitch, from missed tackles, giving away silly fouls and not hitting the target etc, etc. I don't get all this hanging out Muric. He is our keeper, he's great on his day and has saved us many many times. Have you not seen his amazing saves earlier in the season? Ok he has made a few costly errors, but who hasn't this season on the outfield pitch? Get off the blokes back for gods sake!! I hope he really proves you haters wrong. Anyway on to the article Its great news and I cant wait to see him play again next season. Class player, lightening fast, skilful. And a real decent guy. Well done Chieo!!!

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Blueray added 10:26 - Apr 4 Everyone agreed though on the main item and I'll cede the point that the focus should be on Chieo...good for him
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Cadiar added 10:57 - Apr 4 Blueray, wonder why you think it's OK to put spiteful irrelevant comments re Muric on here. The reactions of various fans must be an embarrassment. You've made poor attempts to condone yourself, probably people like you are the reason Muric lost confidence. There's no doubt he's a decent keeper as shown on international duty. Have a look at the performances of some other players who have been very disappointing.

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Edmundo added 15:42 - Apr 4 Great to see another new signing getting stuck into an important community role. Hopefully means we'll see Chieo next season.
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carsey added 10:39 - Apr 5 Can't help thinking if Ogbene (and others) hadn't sustained the serious injuries they had early in the season we would now be sitting pretty and safe in the knowledge we'd still be in the PL next season. Anyway, here's to a Promotion winning season this time next year!!!!!
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BlueInBerks added 22:09 - Apr 9 Great player badly missed and wanting to give something back to the community. A class act all round. That's the type of foundation I want my football club to be built on
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