Bradford’s Odsal Stadium will host a first for British Rugby League tomorrow (Saturday 16 July), when an Eid Celebration takes place alongside the Bulls’ home match against London Broncos.
Around a quarter of the city’s population identifies as Muslim and Eid Ul Adha, which falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah and the last day of the pilgrimage of Hajj, is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The celebration forms part of the Bradford Bulls’ commitment to using sport to bring together different communities. Before the Bulls versus Broncos Championship clash which kicks off at 6pm, there will be a Masters’ match between BARA (British Asian Rugby Association) and a Bradford Select Masters side. Guests include Muhammed Asim MBE, the country’s first full time Imam, British Army engagement lead Lieutenant Colonel Andy Black and Iqbal Bhana, who was awarded an OBE for services to community relations in West Yorkshire.
BARA was formed by Dr Ikram Butt, who played for a number of clubs in the 1990s, including London Broncos, and who in 1995 became the first British Asian to represent England at either code of rugby. Dr Butt and his organisation have a history of campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities, and of delivering projects which break down cultural and religious barriers.
Dr Ikram Butt says: “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.”
On Sunday (17 July), a select group of children will take to Odsal’s famous turf to take part in a multi-sport camp as part of the Eid celebrations.
Humayun Islam BEM, chief executive of the local BEAP Community Partnership adds:
“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.”
The Odsal Stadium gates will open at 4pm for the BARA versus Bradford Select Masters. Adult tickets are available at the turnstiles and admission for junior is free.
Earlier this year the Rugby Football League became English sport's first national governing body to sign the Muslim Athlete Charter. Developed by London-based Nujum Sports, the charter aims to encourage the active involvement of Muslim athletes in sport, and to advance inclusion and diversity at all levels. The RFL will use the charter as a framework to ensure that Muslim players and staff are supported in their environment to be able to practice their faith while playing and working in Rugby League.
