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BARA Director Collects Muslim Accolade
Source: Rob Wilkinson
Author: Rob Wilkinson
Local rugby star Ikram Butt has received national recognition for his community work at a glittering awards ceremony in London.
Ikram, who heads up the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) and is a Community Sports and Activities Development Officer for Bradford Council, received an award from Baroness Haymen at the recent British Muslim Honours ceremony held in the House of Lords.
Also in attendance at the event was The High Commisioner of Pakistan to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Mian Soomro, Joy Kumar, Leeds Metropolitan University and Hasan Pooya, Chairman of Islamabad Rugby Club.
Leeds Metropolitan University has a distinctive vision that commits it to supporting and building bridges between diverse communities. This undertaking has been reflected well in Leeds Met support for BARA.
The award recognises Ikram and BARA's work to develop community sports-based initiatives that build cultural bridges for young people in the UK and in South Asia.
Ikram, who has already received a number of awards in recent years, said: "This is another major accolade and recognition for the progress that BARA has made in breaking down social divisions.
"Sport is a key way of interacting with young people on the issues of citizenship and Islamophobia."
Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's Director of Culture, Tourism & Sport, added: "Ikram fully deserves this recognition in the excellent work he and BARA do to bring young people from different backgrounds together through a sport which overcomes cultural barriers."
Ikram has also been featured as one of Britain's most influential men and women, and won the Future Leaders Award in the 'ones to watch' category and Active Citizen Award for Bradford at the Asian Power 100 Awards. He was also shortlisted for the Outstanding Achievement category at the British Asian Sports Awards in February 2008.
The pics shows Baroness Haymen presenting Ikram Butt with the Community Award
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