Nigel Slater-Bishop shares this latest news on behalf of Ventnor Town Council. Ed
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the game of Rugby, 200 hundred rugby balls are being sent out around the world to help raise awareness of the game and this great anniversary.
The town of Ventnor has been chosen to receive one of the globally sent out rugby balls to be involved in this great event. Ventnor is the only town on the Island and is one of the very first recipients of these anniversary Rugby balls.
‘Global Pass’
An event has been organised by local resident John Bagshawe who went to Rugby School.
The event has been named ‘Global Pass’ and as it suggests 200 anniversary rugby balls will be sent out by Gilbert who are sponsoring the event, and obviously a name synonymous with the easily recognisable ball logo seen around the world in all competitions.
Gilbert balls, were originally made in the town of Rugby and supplied the ball to the famous Rugby School when William Webb Ellis originally ran with the ball and the game as we know it was born.
A symbolic passing of the Rugby ball
To acknowledge this great accolade there is a symbolic passing of the Rugby a symbolic passing of the Rugby ball ball taking place this Saturday 4th February at midday on the Esplanade by the Rotunda.
Local film maker, David George, will be filming the event which will be part of a global film celebrating the 200th anniversary around the world.
Local rugby players
Members of the Island Free School rugby team will be involved, along with senior members of the Ventnor Rugby Club.
This anniversary event has been recognised internationally by many of the game’s greats from all eras.
Ventnor-Rugby connection
Interestingly one of Ventnor’s famous residents was indeed Dr Thomas Arnold 1795 – 1842, he was a Headmaster at the now famous Rugby School, he was a prolific English Educator and Historian.
Arnold, born in Cowes on the Isle of Wight declared Ventnor was the most beautiful place on the sea coast this side of Genoa.
He also was one of the visionaries to improve education through sport, a vision which gave rise to the modern Olympic Games.
