Contributions Beyond Cycling: Promoting Sports and Community Development
2nd Women's Lacrosse Championship
Abbottabad
Event Overview
The 2nd Women's Lacrosse Championship, held in Abbottabad from December 10-15, 2024, marked a historic moment for the Baltistan Lacrosse Association. Sponsored by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), the event featured nine teams, with Baltistan’s all-girls team debuting on the national stage.
Highlights
Months of preparation included a recruitment drive attracting 30 girls, followed by rigorous training led by experienced coaches. The team of 11 players traveled to Abbottabad, where they gained valuable experience and showcased their skills. Key match victories included:
Baltistan vs. Sindh: Won 4-1
Baltistan vs. Punjab: Won
Baltistan vs. Islamabad: Won
Despite a loss to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the team secured a Bronze Medal, inspiring future athletes in the region.
Recommendations
Promote women’s lacrosse in Baltistan.
Build partnerships for sponsorship and support.
Develop training infrastructure and provide consistent coaching.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to AKRSP for sponsorship and community support, making this achievement possible.
Exposure Visit
Hunza
Objective
To learn from Hunza Premier League (HPL) and SCRAF about sports organization, sponsorships, and community engagement.
Highlights
Following the lacrosse championship, AKRSP sponsored this visit to exchange knowledge with HPL and SCRAF. Key insights included:
Event Management: Strategies for organizing sports events and securing sponsorships.
Community Engagement: Observing methods to involve schools and clubs in sports promotion.
Collaboration: Sharing experiences and receiving guidance for organizational improvement.
Recommendations
Partner with organizations like HPL and SCRAF.
Engage with schools and clubs to promote sports.
Develop sponsorship proposals and refine management structures.
Acknowledgments
Gratitude to AKRSP and the HPL and SCRAF teams for their hospitality and knowledge sharing. This visit strengthened our vision for sports development.