On Saturday 26th October Rugby League World Cup commenced with England taking on Australia. In South Leeds the local community were invited to ‘Rugby League World Cup Family Fun Day’ hosted by Hunslet Hawks, Salvation Army and Leeds Rugby Foundation. The event provided lots of free activities and took on a rugby league theme raising awareness of rugby league and the World Cup within South Leeds.
Report by Lois Forsell, Leeds Rugby Foundation and Hunslet Hawks South Leeds Development Officer.
‘Rugby League World Cup Family Fun Day’ was opened by Hilary Benn MP whom spoke about rugby league and the heritage within Leeds. Once Hilary opened the event he stuck around to see a fantastic touch tournament between Hunslet Warriors and Beeston Broncos. The children played fantastic and were joined by Lee Mapals Hunslet Hawks Winger. Barry Eaton was present and was pleased with the tournament and commented on how great the children played!
All whom attended the event came through the sports hall and got to watch the local community clubs showcase their skills and show the excitement rugby league provides. Over 250 people came joined the rugby teams at South Leeds Academy making it a great atmosphere.
All whom attended were invited to watch the tournament but there was also plenty of other activities going on such as face painting, colour hair spraying, bouncy castle, bouncy boxing, tight rope walking, apple juicing, Xbox and Wii where you could Rugby League Live. On top of all these there were performances from Dazl, Mc Testament and Speak 2 the Streets.
Mc Testament and Speak 2 the Streets delivered workshops in which the children loved and all got involved. Hamara Centre also came and sold food at the event which was brilliant and enjoyed by many.
Following all the activities there was a live screening of the England v Australia game in the theatre where people stayed to watched England fall short to Australia losing 20-28. Ed Carlisle and Lois Forsell who played major part in the organising and running of the event commented:
"It is always great to see different people and organisations coming together to fulfil a common goal. Many thanks to all those who helped with the event it was an amazing day and really raised the profile of rugby league and the World Cup in South Leeds."