New rugby project will help continue Jo Cox's legacy

A new project has been launched that is using rugby league to continue the legacy of the late Jo Cox.

The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) has set up the project and is searching for 15 girls from across the Kirklees region to continue the late MP’s legacy.

The youngsters will be mentored by a collaboration of partners including the Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police Mabs Hussain, Major Marr (Head of Engagement, British Army, Yorkshire & Humber) and Chris Green (founder of the White Ribbon Campaign which campaigns against violence against women & girls) amongst others.

The delegation will head to Pakistan to launch a girls’ rugby training initiative in conjunction with schools across West Yorkshire.

BEARS NECESSITY: Children at the Little Acorns Nursery brought in their teddy bears for the pyjama fun day.

Ikram Butt, a former England Rugby League player and founder of BARA, said: “These girls will be trained to go into primary and secondary schools here in the UK, to coach sport activities and classroom based sessions, sharing and promoting the values and vision of Jo Cox MP.

“On the strength of this training the girls will then visit schools in Pakistan next year.

“During our week-long visit, we will meet with Pakistani government officials in Islamabad and Azad Kashmir, officials at the British Embassy, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board and headteachers from various schools.

“On the first Sunday of our visit, there will be a girl’s rugby tournament held in Islamabad organised by the pioneering Islamabad Rugby Club.

“There, we will present the winners with the Jo Cox MP Memorial Trophy.”

For more information, visit the website www.bara-rugby.com.