For the first time since 2010, the Bingham Cup is returning to the United States! Festivities around the event kick off on Sunday, May 22 and run through Sunday, May 29 in Nashville, Tennessee. The official tournament begins Friday, May 27.
The Bingham Cup is named after Mark Bingham, a 9/11 hero, member of the San Francisco Fog and founding member of the Gotham Knights. This will mark the eighth time the event is being staged, having previously been hosted in San Francisco, London, New York, Dublin, Minneapolis, Manchester and Sydney. Over the years the Bingham Cup has grown to one of the largest 15-a-side rugby tournaments in the world, and this year will feature athletes from 42 clubs, with some countries sending over hundreds of players to the tournament.
The London Kings Cross Steelers alone will be sending over 100 players, increasing the number of total players to over 1,000. It is expected that the total number of registered players will reach at least 1,500 by the time registration ends.
The Bingham Cup has also received an ambulatory services grant totaling $2,000 from USA Rugby Trust for an emergency medical technician and additional costs relating to player welfare. The grant is completely donor-funded via USA Rugby Trust, the philanthropic arm of USA Rugby. Visit the USA Rugby Trust webpage for more information on how to support the growth of rugby in the United States.
The Bingham Cup was created by International Gay Rugby, an organization of member clubs of primarily gay and inclusive rugby clubs. The IGR was founded in 2000 with the objective of promoting equality and diversity, in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and to promote good health through the playing of rugby.
Rugby is known around the world as one of the most accepting, diverse sports played - but there is still work to be done to ensure player safety and to keep discrimination with clubs and during matches to a minimum. USA Rugby proudly signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IGR in September, setting forth a partnership that will see the national governing body of rugby in the United States promote a diverse and inclusive environment in all levels of Rugby.
While fun, competitive rugby is the focus of the week, the Bingham Cup will also look to continue the strong work of the IGR. Participants will be able to take part in anti-bullying and suicide prevention workshops, issues that have long affected the gay communities.
Of course, this is a week-long rugby festival of sorts - so participants can also expect lively entertainment throughout the week involving great activities like day trips to Graceland, socials hosted by local clubs and nights out exploring the famous "Music City.'
Teams still have time to register for the 2016 Bingham Cup, just CLICK HERE to sign your club up today!
