07 July 2010
Bend it like Birmingham' Celebrates 5,000 and Milestone
The award-winning ‘Bend it Like Birmingham’ sports project is celebrating its second anniversary after involving 5,000 youngsters from different communities in everything from football to martial arts.
The ground-breaking scheme was set up in 2007 to tackle community tensions in east Birmingham and encourage youngsters and their parents to get involved in sports.
On Friday the project will give more than a dozen awards to youngsters, teams and volunteers for their outstanding contributions or achievements. The project relies on almost 100 community volunteers to help with everything from first aid to cricket coaching.
The celebration takes places at Warwickshire Cricket Club 12 until 3 on Friday. You are invited to send a reporter or photographer.
Bend it Like Birmingham involves five Housing Associations: Friendship Housing and Care, Harden, Midland Heart and Waterloo and is led by Ashram Housing Association. It is also backed by Birmingham City Council and Sports Governing Bodies. Sport England, the Football Foundation and local community organisations.
Project leader Kameron Hussain, from Ashram Housing Association, said: “Bend it like Birmingham only works because of the support of the local community and this event recognises the contribution of local people. It’s brought together so many people, young and old, from completely different backgrounds. “
“The project aims to bridge gaps between different ethnic and religious groups by bringing people together to play sport. It also offers sessions specifically for women and girls and a wide range of sports from boxing to netball.
For all media enquiries, contact Boris Worrall on 0121 500 2090 or 07876 034605.