White Ribbon UK game again comes to FCG
Sun 2 Sep 2018
Sports stars and politicians take to the crease on Sunday, September 16 in aid of White Ribbon UK, a national campaign for the eradication of male violence against women.
In conjunction with Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) and the National Asian Cricket Council (NACC), the event will see two teams, The Lords and Commons XI vs White Ribbon/NACC XI, compete for the Regal White Ribbon Trophy at the Fischer County Ground.
Among the stars taking part are Leicestershire CCC Chief Executive Wasim Khan MBE, Head Coach Paul Nixon and former Kent CCC and England star Minal Patel.
Professor Lord Patel OBE, non-executive director of the English Cricket Board, is a major supporter of White Ribbon UK and will be captaining the Lords and Commons XI team.
He said: “Cricket has a proud tradition of reaching beyond the boundary line in terms of respect and fair play. We are proud to support the work and corresponding message of White Ribbon UK with this exciting match.”
Captain of White Ribbon/NACC XI will be Wasim Khan MBE, Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Cricket Club and former professional cricket star.
He said: “It is a great pleasure to host this match and be part of the White Ribbon UK Campaign. We are a club that firmly supports the eradication of male violence against females. As well as watching a great game of cricket, I hope that many will attend and support our aim of raising greater awareness of this cause.”
Chris Green OBE, founder of White Ribbon UK, said: “Sport provides a fantastic opportunity to engage young people, and spread a message of respect and equality. This is key to everything that White Ribbon stands for. We’re delighted and very grateful to be provided with this wonderful opportunity by Wasim Khan MBE and call ‘all out’ on violence in all its shapes and forms.”
White Ribbon UK have joined forces with Meena Kumari, an independent trainer and consultant in domestic abuse and founder of H.O.P.E, Nikki Chawda, Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods at EMH Homes, and Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, founder of the Zinthiya Trust who will be showcasing and presenting examples of good practice.
Kirk Master, Leicestershire Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “This upcoming match will be a fantastic occasion to unite around a message which says that violence against women and girls cannot be tolerated.
“The White Ribbon Campaign UK uses sport to remind us that we all have a role to play in ending the violence that too many women and girls face on a daily basis. Both teams may be competing against one another on the day but are united when it comes to ending gender-based violence.”
Gulfraz Riaz, Chair of NACC, added: “The National Asian Cricket Council is delighted to once again offer our support to the White Ribbon UK Campaign on and off the pitch.
“We at the NACC very much look forward to this annual fixture at Leicestershire CCC and hope that all those that are taking part have an enjoyable game and at the same time learn, understand and offer support to the fantastic work that the White Ribbon UK Team do in raising awareness towards the eradication of male violence against females.”
* The day begins with the ECB T20 City Cup from 11am and the Lords & Commons XI vs White Ribbon / NACC XI from 2:30pm.
