A CHARITY dedicated to empowering community groups through sport will participate in the Lord Mayor of Bradford's Charity Appeal cricket match.

The event, hosted at Bradford Park Avenue Cricket ground on Monday, August 12, will see UK-based charity Sported showcase its work under the theme of 'Sport for Development.'

The charity supports more than 2,500 community groups across the UK that harness the power of sport to address social issues, enhance community cohesion, and foster physical and mental wellbeing.

As well as showcasing its programmes and success stories, Sported's presentation will provide attendees with information on contributing to - and benefiting from - similar initiatives in an attempt to foster a commitment to using sport for good.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, councillor Bev Mullaney, said: "I am delighted that this cricket event will be raising funds for my appeal and also raising the importance of sport as a power for good.

"Sport can have a huge impact on people’s lives and local communities and this cricket match will be helping to raise vital funds and show that sport can shape lives."

Other stakeholders committed to the potential of sport to bring positive change will be present at the event, including Muslim Friendly Employers, The Sport Campaign Against Racism, and The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, which leverages cricket to drive social impact across Yorkshire.

Humayun Islam BEM, CEO of Muslim Friendly Employers, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal.

"And to collaborate with some great partners such as Sported, Sport Campaign Against Racism, and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation amongst others is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the importance of Sport for Good."

Faisel Ali, Sport Campaign Against Racism's director, said: "We are thrilled to be hosting this event and excited at the prospect of using the power of sport to bring people together and discuss how sport and physical activity can make a positive difference to people’s lives."

Sohail Raz, diverse communities manager at The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, said: "Here at the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation we use the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those living in Yorkshire.

"As such we are delighted to collaborate with Sported to showcase the good work of the Foundation."

More details about Sported can be found at sported.org.uk