ODSAL TO HOST EID CELEBRATION

Odsal Stadium plays host to an Eid Celebration this Saturday – the first of its kind in British Rugby League as Mark Dunning’s side take on London Broncos.

Prior to the Men’s fixture, there will be a Masters’ match taking place with BARA (British Asian Rugby Association) playing a Bradford Select Masters’ side. 

The celebration forms part of the Bradford Bulls’ commitment to using sport to bring together different communities, with Muhammed Asim MBE, the first full time Imam in the country, Lt Col Andy Black and Iqbal Bhana OBE, DL included in those attending.

On Sunday, a select group of children will take to Odsal’s famous turf to take part in a multi-sport camp as part of the celebrations – following Eid Al Ahda.

Humayun Islam BEM, CEO, BEAP Community Partnership said: 

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Nigel Wood OBE and the Bradford Bulls to be hosting such a unique event. It’s the first of its kind and we are very proud to be part of this historic occasion. The following day we will be bringing some very lucky youngsters and for most will be their first ever introduction to rugby league on the iconic Odsal turf.”

Imam Qari Asim MBE, Chair, Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board said:

“Bradford Bulls hosting the first of its kind Eid Al Adha event is a very positive and encouraging step. It’s important for us all to understand about each other’s beliefs and to celebrate diverse cultures. There is still some way to go towards greater inclusion and advancement of minorities in Rugby, and events such as these which recognise cultural or religious celebrations of both players and spectators are key to promoting inclusion and fostering a sense of true belonging for all.” 

Dr Ikram Butt - founder of the British Asian Rugby Association said:

“It’s a remarkable gesture by Nigel Wood OBE and Bradford Bulls to host an Eid celebration event. The first of its kind in the northern hemisphere by any rugby club across both codes. For my players it will be an honour to play at an iconic ground like Odsal. It’s great to see the Bulls reaching out to the wider the community. The British Asian Rugby Association was formed by Dr Ikram Butt, the first British Asian to play Rugby of either code for England. It is a dual code, inclusive, UK not-for-profit NGO of 18 years standing. It has a history of campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities (not exclusively) in rugby, and has delivered tangible projects which break down cultural and religious barriers and provide sporting benefits to a much under- represented minority ethnic community.” 

The British Asian Rugby Association was formed by Dr Ikram Butt, the first British Asian to play Rugby of either code for England. It is a dual code, inclusive, UK not-for-profit NGO of 18 years standing. It has a history of campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities (not exclusively) in rugby, and has delivered tangible projects which break down cultural and religious barriers and provide sporting benefits to a much under- represented minority ethnic community.