MPs tackle BARA initiative
A team of former rugby stars from both codes got the chance recently to tackle the politicians in the second annual BARA (British Asian Rugby Association) TagTime (in association with Carnegie) challenge.
The match, staged immediately prior to the Leeds Rhinos versus Wigan Warriors Super League clash at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium, featured the likes of Martin Offiah, Garry Schofield and Tony Smith and was supported by key members of the RFU including Bill Beaumont, Martyn Thomas and Alex Murphy.
Rugby League legends Joe Lydon and Brian Noble were also on hand to show their support in what turned out to be a 7 – 6 victory for the BARA celebrity side with Greg Mulholland MP, captain of his team, scoring a hat-trick and being named man of the match.
BARA chief and dual code international Ikram Butt, who recently received notable recognition in the Asian Power 100 Future Leaders awards, explained: “The game was played in front of a healthy and appreciative Headingley crowd and I would like to say a big thank you to the All Parliamentary RL group, headed by Neil Turner MP, Leeds Met University for their support and Gary Hetherington of Leeds Rugby who went out of his way to accommodate us.
“It followed on from a very successful schools BARA TagTime event which included a guest team from London, Lordship Lane primary school, at the Headingley Campus on the previous Friday and both occasions served to promote the aims and objectives of the BARA organisation.
“We are getting over the message that both codes of rugby can play their part in promoting healthy living and teamwork across the cultural divides,” added Ikram.
The success of the BARA Tagtime initiative is due to the support of many partners including the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union.
Neil Turner MP, secretary of the All Party Parliamentary rugby league group,commented “It was another great occasion and a prime opportunity to promote the work of BARA in spreading the rugby message to new frontiers.”
BARA is an organisation which aims to provide positive role models, break down cultural & religious barriers, promote community integration, citizenship personal development, healthy living and encouraging participation in sport & physical activity especially in rugby.
For more details please visit www.bararugby.com.