West Midlands Sant Nirankari Satsang Bhawan hosted the UK's first Ladies National Netball Tournament on Sunday, 16  May 2010. Sisters of all ages came from across the UK, some having travelled for many hours, to have fun in unity. The tournament underpinned the mission's teaching that an enlightened soul remains in a state of devotion throughout all aspects of life, even when participating in competitive sports activities.

Focussing on the mission’s core principle of equality, the players names were placed in a box and randomly selected to form teams, thus ensuring fully integrated, mixed teams of all ages, towns and skills.

Team names – ‘Petals of Peace’, ‘Flowers of Forgiveness’ and Universal Sisterhood, clearly spelt out the fragrance and message behind the game to be played and enjoyed by the spectators from across the UK who encouraged all the teams with their loud cheers and clapping in the wonderful sunshine that Nirankar blessed for the day.

The shattering of the traditional barriers in such competitions of town versus town, or particular group against particular group, was applauded by the SNM Executive, who reinforced that saintly virtues in all of ones activities is a must as those who play together and pray together, stay together.

The winning team, Universal Sisterhood, who will retain the Humanity Shield for 2010, encompassed sisters from the Leicester, West Midlands and Oxford congregations. The whole of the inaugural event was a huge success laying the foundation for the Humanity Shield tournament to be an annual UK SNM event.

Rev Maheshar Singh Ji Bhambra, SNM Executive In charge of Social Welfare and fellow Executive members Rev Sukhjinder Singh Ji and Rev Bhupinder Anand Ji presided over the event. They emphasised that adhering to the Satguru's teachings through our every action, thought and words of harmony and love towards all of mankind will undoubtedly generate peace and goodwill.

They also praised all the players for taking care of the human body, a gift from God, through regular exercise.

With grace of His Holiness Satguru Baba Hardev Singh Ji the event fulfilled the aim of showing that teamwork brings everyone closer, enhancing harmony, respect and love.

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