Cricketing star, Yuvraj Singh, who is playing in the ICC World Twenty 20, has become an Ambassador for Sporting Equals, the organisation which promotes the uptake of sport and physical activity across all communities and ethnicities. 

“I jumped at the opportunity to become an Ambassador for Sporting Equals because I am keen to see a greater uptake of and involvement in sport by children and adults,” said Yuvraj, speaking at the Masters Cricket tournament in London, which Sporting Equals supported.

“I see part of my role as an Ambassador being to particularly encourage more sporting activity among Asian communities, who are underrepresented at all levels, and I shall share that message with everyone who follows cricket.”

“I love this sport and am fortunate to play it full time.  It’s a game which simply requires a bat and ball and enthusiasm and can be played practically anywhere by anyone, from a park to a beach and anywhere in between.  If, during my time as an Ambassador, I can encourage those who follow the game to play as well, I will consider my time well spent.  Who knows, I may even be responsible for starting the career of a future cricket captain!”

Sporting Equals is the established national partner of Sport England, with a remit of promoting ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity. 

It is an independent organisation and its Chief Executive, Arun Kang, believes that involvement in sport extends beyond taking to the field.  “Our primary objective is to encourage people from the Black and Minority Ethnic, BME, communities to engage in sport and physical activity,” explains Arun.  “This could range from participating to volunteering; currently only 3% of sports club coaches come from BME backgrounds.

“A love of sport often begins in childhood, but many people cease sport and physical activity when they leave school, maybe because ambitions and work get in the way.  Also, many people confuse physical activity with competitive team sports.  It does not have to be that way, of course, as sport isn’t solely about winning medals or trophies. It can be about getting together with your friends for a game of badminton or netball and physical activity could be simply  walking or cycling to work. 

“Getting that across can be challenging.  It is Sporting Equals’ role to get the message to BME communities that sport and physical activity can help in a number of ways, such as enhancing your inter personal skills and career aspirations as well as helping towards better health and well-being.  Sporting Equals therefore decided to support the Masters Cricket as a means of underlining our message because it is a sport which so many people from a wide range of countries and backgrounds enjoy. 

“I am delighted to welcome Yuvraj as an Ambassador for us, because he is a talented cricketer, looked up to by countless fans, many of whom want to try and emulate his achievements.  Not everyone can be a gifted sportsperson, but there are countless careers linked to sport beyond playing, including club accountants, lawyers, doctors, physiotherapists, administrators and sports journalists, commentators, pundits and event organisers and planners. 

“I hope that Yuvraj’s role with us will prompt people from all backgrounds and communities to play their part in sport and physical activity, either on the field or behind the scenes.”