Leeds Rugby Foundations’ Christmas Spirit Spreads Cheer In India
Published on: 5th January 2012
The Christmas spirit is well and truly in the air in India thanks to the kind and generous support of the Leeds Rugby Foundation. Thirty junior rugby jerseys have been dispatched to the Indian administered Kashmir, providing much needed playing kit to a nation that has seen rugby developments improve dramatically over the past few years.
In a state torn by violence for the past two decades, an entire generation has missed out on normal life. The youth have been the worst victims of the violence. Given this scenario, it is nothing less than amazing that there are 1200 registered boys & girls playing rugby across Kashmir.
Leeds Rugby Foundations’ Connecting Communities Manager, Ikram Butt, Commented, “I first met members of the Kashmir Rugby Association way back in 2005 and have been in contact ever since. I am delighted to see how they have expanded the game of rugby under extreme circumstances.”
Mohammad Iqbal, Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Rugby Association, commented “ We are very fortunate to have had the continued support of Ikram ever since the day we first met many years ago. We are also very grateful indeed that the Leeds Rugby Foundation have sent us the jerseys. I am sure our boys and girls will wear them with pride as the Leeds Rugby brand is world renowned.”
The Leeds Rugby Foundation continues to develop and strengthen its relationship with rugby in India. Having already hosted Bollywood Star, Rahul Bose, former Indian rugby union captain, Chaitanya Singh and the Commonwealth Indian rugby union squad at the World Famous Headingley Carnegie stadium. More recently the Foundation has established a working partnership with Bombay Gymkhana, one of the premier clubs in the country with over 135 years of rugby tradition and history.
Leeds Rugby Foundations’ Manager, Lucy Young commented, “Christmas is special no matter where you are or where you are from. The difference that these shirts will make this Christmas time in south-Asia tells us that the spirit of Christmas does not lie in the customs; rather it lies in the happiness that it spreads.”
Lucy added, “As an organisation we harness the power of sport to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and we are delighted to contribute in raising aspirations of the young people of Kashmir.”
Ikram, the founder of BARA, manages Connecting Communities, Leeds Rugby Foundation’s biggest project to date, and was recently awarded a Doctorate in Sport Science by Leeds Metropolitan University for his pioneering sport development initiatives within the UK and abroad.
