Bradford’s deep-rooted connection to sports took centre stage at the Sport Is Our Culture event on 27 February, held at the historic Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground. As part of the ongoing Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations, the event highlighted the vital role grassroots sports play in uniting communities, breaking barriers, and shaping the city’s diverse cultural identity.
Hosted by the engaging Dr. Hanif Malik OBE, the event brought together sports professionals, community leaders, and young enthusiasts, all eager to celebrate the impact of sport in Bradford. Discussions ranged from inclusivity in sports to the transformative power of physical activity in fostering social cohesion.
A Platform for Sporting Excellence
One of the key moments of the evening was a reflection on the success of the innovative domes at Bradford Park Avenue. Nasa Hussain, head groundsman at the venue, marked their anniversary, noting that the £2 million project, funded by the England Cricket Board (ECB) had welcomed over 20,000 visitors. As a pilot initiative for the ECB, the domes are expected to be replicated in other cities, further enhancing access to high-quality sporting facilities.
Fatimah Khan Shah, West Yorkshire Mayor’s first-ever inclusivity champion, emphasised the power of sport in uniting people: “Today’s event beautifully exemplifies how sport is a conduit for unity and well-being within our community. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate Bradford’s rich cultural tapestry through sport is truly inspiring.”
Sam Bacon, Director of Active Bradford, reinforced this sentiment, stressing the importance of inclusivity: “Breaking down barriers and reducing inequality through sport and physical activity is core to everything we do. Being among so many passionate people who want to deliver change, not just talk about it, was incredible. In Bradford, sport is our culture, it draws us together regardless of race, religion, or class.”
Championing the Next Generation
Among the standout moments was 13-year-old Amaam Hussain’s enthusiastic pitch for a new darts academy, set to launch in April. His passion for the sport and determination to create more opportunities for young players received overwhelming support from attendees, demonstrating the growing interest in non-traditional sports among Bradford’s youth.
Sports as a Catalyst for Change
An expert panel, featuring key figures such as Yaseen Mohammed, Chair of Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground, and former professional cricketer Moin Ashraf, explored the role of sport in social change. Mohammed reflected on the domes’ impact: “These are more than sports facilities, they are community hubs fostering engagement and cultural exchange.”
Co-founder of Hop On Bike and Partnerships Manager at GiveBradford, Fozia Naseem, highlighted how initiatives like the SCAR project (Sport Campaign Against Racism) harness sport to build peace and mutual respect: “By tapping into the vibrant energy of our diverse communities, we move toward a more inclusive and united future. Sports have the power to create real change.”
Dr. Ikram Butt, Executive Director of SCAR, echoed these sentiments, adding:
“Our ‘Sport for Peace’ campaign is a testament to the role sport plays in fostering community spirit and cultural cohesion. Today’s discussions reinforced how sport can be a transformative tool for advocacy and change.”
A Celebration of Sport, Culture, and Community
The event also recognised those who contribute to the sporting and cultural fabric of Bradford. Guests enjoyed a selection of finger foods provided by Jinnah, whose owner received special recognition for their ongoing contributions to the community. Refreshments were generously supplied by Regal Foods Group, adding to the evening’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In his closing remarks, Steve Hartley reflected on the broader significance of the event:
“This gathering not only celebrated sport’s role in Bradford’s cultural landscape but also reinforced how it continues to serve as a unifying force shaping identities, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening communities.”
As Bradford continues its journey as the UK City of Culture 2025, events like Sport Is Our Culture serve as powerful reminders of the city’s commitment to harnessing sport as a tool for unity and progress. The evening provided a strong foundation for future collaborations, ensuring that sport remains at the heart of Bradford’s vibrant and diverse community.
