Medals for two remarkable pioneers
The first King’s Birthday Honours from King Charles III saw two remarkable pioneers from the rugby community recognised: Anthony Brooke founder of The Bumble Bees Barbarians mixed ability rugby, and John Broadfoot founder and CEO of SOS Kit Aid.
A huge rugby fan from Bradford, Anthony received a British Empire Medal. A tenacious young man with cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and a determination to play full-contact rugby, he founded The Bumble Bees in 2009.
In an adult social skills class his tutor, Mark Goodwin, encouraged him to write to the RFU to realise his dream. The then Yorkshire RFU Rugby Development Officer Hamish Pratt sent coaches to Bradford and Bingley Sports club, and England’s first mixed ability team was born. Anthony recruited teammates from disability services as well as non-disabled players at rugby training sessions and the Bumble Bees Barbarians now train and play at two West Yorkshire clubs: Baildon RFC and Bradford and Bingley RFC.
IMAS Trainer and inspiration
In 2014, Anthony was awarded a ‘Point of Light Award’ by Prime Minister David Cameron. By this time, he was a crucial member of the International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) team. Sharing his lived experience of disability and overcoming barriers to play the game he loves, IMAS Trainer Anthony continues to deliver presentations to rugby clubs across the country. The development of many mixed ability rugby teams in England, Wales and Ireland has seen further international interest with many European teams springing up, and rapid growth in both South America and Canada.
Anthony and his IMAS Trainer colleagues continue to participate in a weekly educational group funded by Bradford Council; contributors co-produce and deliver mixed ability information about the various sports and their clubs.
Testament to his extraordinary achievement, Anthony was awarded the BEM.
Jatin Patel, Inclusion & Diversity Director at England Rugby said, “Anthony has been a tireless advocate for Mixed Ability Rugby, educating others about the inclusive format of the game and encouraging new participants to take up the sport. It’s brilliant to see him recognised in this way.”
Anthony added, “I am very proud. I wanted to play the game that I love and now I want other people like me to play sports as well. I will keep working to make it better, so disabled people can join their local clubs just like I did.”
Anthony’s achievements remind all of us that we can change the world through Mixed Ability.
Anthony with his mum and the Spirit of Mixed Ability Trophy.
John’s kit deliveries changing lives
SOS Kit Aid founder and CEO, John Broadfoot was awarded an MBE for services to developing rugby around the world. The award recognised his determination, hard work and forward thinking in establishing and progressing a charity which has collected over 250 tonnes of quality unwanted rugby kit, recycled it and sent it to over 60 developing rugby countries around the world.
Despite a difficult year for charities and a lack of funding, the rugby charity managed, with only half the previous year’s finance, to smash their big World Rugby target of 40 kit deliveries for the 20th year running. No fewer than 45 big kit deliveries were made, of which 21 were via the UK Foreign Office. The British High Commissioners use the SOS rugby kit to build bridges with local schools, clubs and businesses so that everyone benefits.
SOS Kit Aid also completed a humanitarian delivery of tracksuits to Ukrainian refugees, funded by World Rugby, who also funded a humanitarian kit delivery to areas affected by volcanic eruption in Tonga. Since then, SOS Kit Aid has sent 1.4 tonnes of quality rugby kit to Lviv at the request of the Ukrainian Rugby Federation.
Thanks to SOS Kit Aid, over £8 million pounds worth of quality used and new kit has been distributed to over a third of a million disadvantaged youngsters in 60 emerging rugby nations, and over 1500 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been saved in the last 20 years.
Volunteers, sponsors and partners helping
Receiving the MBE, John said, “I’m absolutely thrilled and amazed to be receiving this award, which I’m accepting on behalf of the whole charity. We rely on volunteers, sponsors and partners to keep it all going, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of those who have supported us on our journey since we set up back in 2001.
“What we have achieved and continue to deliver is more important than ever before. Our focus remains on inspiring young people and changing lives, but at the same time helping to protect the environment, which we all know is critical and should be on everyone’s agenda.”
John Broadfoot with Chairman of World Rugby, Sir Bill Beaumont
SOS Kit Aid are supported by a variety of partners, sponsors and ambassadors including World Rugby, who have been involved since the Charity’s inception over 20 years ago, Big Yellow Storage Co, Halbro Sportswear, DB Schenker, Roy Marfleet, Andy Lane, DHL and MDS Civil Engineering.
The charity is currently looking for much needed volunteers around the country. Contact them via their website to volunteer or find out more about SOS Kit Aid here.
