Local faith leaders come together to open Sussex Cricket’s Multi-Faith Room

Last week local faith leaders from the community came together to officially open Sussex Cricket’s brand-new Multi-Faith and Contemplation Room at The 1st Central County Ground.

Sussex Chair, Jon Filby welcomed Rabbi Andrea (Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue), Father Pete Leith and the Venerable Michael Lloyd Williams (All Saints Church Hove), Ebadur Rahman (Nujum Sports, CEO and Founder) as well as Varadarajan Kalidasan (Sussex Co-Opted Board Director) and Ish Jalal (Chair, Sussex Cricket Foundation) for a special opening ceremony.

The group were also joined by Sussex Captain, Cheteshwar Pujara.

Located adjacent to the Club’s Indoor School within the George Cox Memorial Garden, the Multi-Faith Room is a space that can be used on match days by any of the Sussex players, coaches, staff and all spectators should they need a private space to either pray, or simply spend some quiet time in contemplation.

The facility is for people of any background or religion and serves as a place for inclusion and diversity.

Speaking on the opening ceremony, Sussex Chair, Jon Filby said: “The Multi Faith and Contemplation Room is a significant part of Sussex Cricket’s effort to make The 1st Central County Ground a welcoming place to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

“Ian Waring (Sussex Cricket, Operations Director) and his team have done an outstanding job of combining the existing George Cox Memorial Garden with the new Contemplation Room to create a space for all to use for reflection and prayer.

“The ceremony involving local representatives of the Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faiths was poignant, moving and thought provoking.

“I very much hope that the space will be enjoyed and well used by many as the number of visitors to the ground continues to grow.”

The event was also an opportunity for Ebadur Rahman to present Sussex Cricket with the official Muslim Athlete Charter, following the news that Sussex signed the Muslim Athlete Pledge in January.

Ebadur Rahman, added: "It was an honour joining Sussex CCC in opening their brand new Multi-Faith Room yesterday.

“This new facility aims to provide a serene and inclusive space for players staff and fans to observe their religious practices and find solace.

“A testament to Sussex Cricket commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the cricketing community.

“May it serve as a source of peace, inspiration, and spiritual fulfilment for all who enter."