Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground was alive with energy on February 27th as the city came together for the highly anticipated ‘Sport Is Our Culture’ event.
As part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations, this event highlighted the vital role grassroots sports play in uniting diverse communities, with a special focus on the tireless efforts of volunteers who keep these initiatives thriving.
Hosted by the charismatic Dr. Hanif Malik OBE, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd, eager to celebrate the unifying power of sports. Dynamic speakers shared compelling insights, reinforcing how sports act as a catalyst for positive change.
Nasa Hussain, head groundsman at Bradford Park Avenue, proudly reflected on the success of the innovative sports domes, which have welcomed over 20,000 visitors since their inception.
Funded by a £2m investment from the England Cricket Board (ECB), these state-of-the-art domes have set the stage for similar developments across the country.
West Yorkshire’s Mayor and first-ever inclusivity champion, Fatimah Khan Shah, delivered an inspiring address: “Today’s ‘Sport Is Our Culture’ event beautifully exemplifies how sports serve as a powerful conduit for unity and health within our community. Seeing so many come together to celebrate Bradford’s rich cultural tapestry through sport is truly inspiring.”
Sam Bacon, Director of Active Bradford, echoed these sentiments: “Breaking down barriers and reducing inequality through sport is at the heart of everything we do. Being among so many passionate individuals committed to real change was incredible. In Bradford, sport is more than just a game – it’s the heartbeat of our culture.”
One of the event’s most inspiring moments came from 13-year-old Amaam Hussain, who captivated the audience with his passion for darts. With an ambitious vision, he announced plans to launch a darts academy in April, receiving overwhelming support from attendees.
An expert panel, including Moin Ashraf, Kammy Siddique, and Abdul Ravat, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on how sports can break social barriers and foster unity.
Yaseen Mohammed, Chair of Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground, emphasised: “Our domes are more than just sports facilities; they are hubs of community engagement and cultural exchange.”
Fozia Naseem, co-founder of Hop On Bike and Partnerships Manager at GiveBradford, highlighted the significance of the SCAR project: “Sports create positive change, build peace, and foster mutual respect. This initiative is a testament to how we can tap into our community’s vibrant energy to build a more inclusive and united future.”
Dr. Ikram Butt, Executive Director of the Sport Campaign Against Racism, reinforced this message: “Our ‘Sport for Peace’ campaign through SCAR showcases how sports can serve as a transformative force for advocacy and change.”
Closing the event on a high note, Steve Hartley underscored the impact of sports in Bradford’s cultural fabric: “This event not only celebrated the role of sports in our city but also reinforced how sport continues to serve as a unifying force, shaping identities, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening communities.”
With vibrant discussions, inspiring speeches, and an atmosphere of camaraderie, ‘Sport Is Our Culture’ proved to be a milestone event, laying the foundation for future collaborations and cultural initiatives. As Bradford delves deeper into its 2025 City of Culture celebrations, the message is clear: sport is more than just a pastime – it’s the soul of the community.
