Leeds has been selected to host the 2028 Bingham Cup, bringing the world's premier international LGBTQ+ and inclusive rugby tournament to Yorkshire for the first time.
The event will be hosted by Leeds Hunters Rugby Club and is expected to attract thousands of players, supporters and visitors from around the globe when it arrives in the city in 2028.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by Leeds Pride, which said the tournament would be a major moment for the city's LGBTQ+ community and an opportunity to showcase Leeds on the world stage.
In a statement, Leeds Pride said: "We're absolutely thrilled to hear the news about the Bingham Cup coming to Leeds in 2028, hosted by our brilliant friends at Leeds Hunters.
"The Bingham Cup is the world championship of inclusive rugby and will bring thousands of players, supporters and visitors from around the world to our city.
"This will mean so much to Leeds' LGBTQ+ community and is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city, our community and our legendary welcome to the world."
Leeds Pride also congratulated the club on securing the tournament, adding: "Huge congratulations to the Leeds Hunters on an incredible achievement. We can't wait to see what 2028 brings."
The Bingham Cup is one of the biggest events in the international inclusive sporting calendar and is organised under the banner of International Gay Rugby (IGR). The tournament is named in honour of Mark Bingham, an openly gay rugby player, public relations executive and activist from California who became an enduring figure in both the LGBTQ+ and sporting communities.
Bingham was among the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. He is widely recognised for helping lead the passenger resistance against the hijackers after learning of the attacks on New York and Washington, actions that prevented the aircraft from reaching its intended target before it crashed in Pennsylvania.
For Leeds Hunters, the successful bid represents a landmark achievement and will place the city at the centre of the global inclusive rugby community. The tournament is also expected to deliver a significant boost to the local economy, with thousands of competitors and supporters set to travel to Leeds for the event.
Leeds Pride concluded its message with a warm welcome to competitors and supporters ahead of the tournament, saying: "Welcome to Leeds, Bingham Cup."
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