UK
‘Sport Is Our Culture’ Event Celebrates Bradford’s Rich Sporting Heritage and Community Spirit. On February 27th, the iconic Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground played host to the ‘Sport Is Our Culture’ event, a vibrant celebration of the role sports play in uniting communities and shaping the city’s rich cultural identity. Organized as part of the ongoing Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations, the event highlighted the importance of grassroots sports, many of which are volunteer-run, in fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
A Celebration of Community and Sport
Hosted by the charismatic Dr. Hanif Malik OBE, the event drew an enthusiastic audience, showcasing Bradford’s vibrant community spirit. From dynamic speakers to inspiring youth initiatives, the evening underscored how sports serve as a powerful tool for unity, health, and cultural exchange.
Event Highlights
Dynamic Speakers
Nasa Hussain, head groundsman at Bradford Park Avenue, celebrated the anniversary of the innovative domes, a £2 million project funded by the England Cricket Board (ECB). “These domes have attracted over 20,000 visitors and are a pilot project for the ECB before being rolled out to other cities,” Hussain shared.
Fatimah Khan Shah, West Yorkshire’s Mayor and inclusivity champion, emphasized the unifying power of sports. “Today’s event beautifully exemplifies how sports serve as a conduit for unity and health within our community,” she said.
Sam Bacon, Director of Active Bradford, added, “Breaking down barriers and reducing inequality through sport is core to everything we do. In Bradford, sport is our culture, and it draws us together regardless of race, religion, or class.”
Youthful Inspiration
Thirteen-year-old Amaam Hussain captivated the audience with his passion for darts and announced plans to launch a darts academy in April. His enthusiasm was met with overwhelming support, highlighting the event’s focus on nurturing young talent.
Expert Panel Discussion
A panel featuring Yaseen Mohammed, Moin Ashraf, Kammy Siddique, and Abdul Ravat explored how sports break social barriers and foster unity. Yaseen Mohammed, Chair of Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground, noted, “The domes are more than sports facilities—they are hubs of community engagement and cultural exchange.”
Fozia Naseem, co-founder of Hop On Bike and Partnerships Manager at GiveBradford, shared, “The SCAR project highlights the power of sports to create positive change, build peace, and foster mutual respect.”
Dr. Ikram Butt, Executive Director of the Sport Campaign Against Racism (SCAR), emphasized, “Our ‘Sport for Peace’ campaign is a testament to sports’ role in fostering community spirit and cultural cohesion.”
Culinary Delights
The event was complemented by exquisite finger food from Jinnah, with the restaurant’s owner receiving special recognition for their contributions. Regal Foods Group generously provided drinks and snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Hanif Malik OBE ensured the evening was both entertaining and meaningful. In his closing remarks, Steve Hartley highlighted, “This event celebrated the role of sports in Bradford’s cultural scene and reinforced how sport serves as a unifying force, shaping identities and strengthening communities.”
A Platform for Future Collaborations
The ‘Sport Is Our Culture’ event provided a fertile ground for networking and future collaborations. By bringing together passionate individuals and organizations, the event set the stage for continued efforts to promote inclusivity and cultural exchange through sports.
As Bradford prepares to celebrate its status as the 2025 City of Culture, events like these underscore the city’s commitment to harnessing the power of sports to build a more inclusive and united future.
