Author: garethloopdesignagency

27/07/202327/07/2023

As part of Kukri Sports’ ongoing commitment to celebrating the accomplishments and perseverance of para-athletes, we are proud to present an exclusive interview featuring Alasdair Donaldson, Head of Para Sport at Loughborough, and Egyptian badminton star, Yasmina Eissa.

Yasmina Eissa, an Egyptian badminton player and current Loughborough university student, shared her inspiring journey into the world of para sports. “I’ve always been passionate about badminton and was very active when I was younger, competing in a variety of sports.

“When my coach discovered para sports and encouraged me to participate in the World Championships in Korea, it opened up a whole new world for me. I realised the potential of para-badminton and how it allows athletes like me to excel. From there, I knew that was the sport I wanted to continue competing in moving forwards.”

Eissa, who was also the Vice Chair of the Para Sports Exec at Loughborough University this year, continues to play her part in striving towards inclusivity. “Throughout the year we have enjoyed a lot of events, whether that be the ‘Para Sports takeover week’, where we get a lot of people to learn more about para sports and try out para sports such as Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball.

“It allows students with disabilities to come out and play their sport, which they wouldn’t have been able to do in the past because it wasn’t as inclusive.”

Expressing her excitement about the future of para sports, Eissa said, “I believe that para sports can achieve even greater recognition and exposure, just like women’s sports. London 2012 was a turning point for the Olympics, and I hope to see more coverage and opportunities for para-athletes on a global stage.

“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions when you think of the Paralympics, so for me it’s about debunking any myths or stereotypes, and really showing people what it actually is and the talent within it.”

Alasdair Donaldson, who was appointed Loughborough University’s new Head of Para Sport last year following almost ten years at British Triathlon, has played a pivotal role in promoting para sports at Loughborough University.

Donaldson, who graduated from Loughborough University in 1998, shared his thoughts on the university’s long-standing history of supporting para-athletes. “Para sports is not a new thing at Loughborough University, but the focus on it is.

“We have witnessed some exceptional athletes over recent years like Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Clare Griffiths, and Dan Greaves, who have all graduated from Loughborough and achieved incredible success in their respective para sports careers.

“The university has been a nurturing ground for para-athletes, fostering an inclusive environment where they train alongside their non-disabled peers.”

Highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting para-athletes in balancing their athletic pursuits and studies, Donaldson said, “The focus goes on the person first; they are here to be students, and we work with them to find a balance between their athletic commitments and academic studies.

“Our cooperative and integrated coaching and support teams ensure that all student-athletes, regardless of their abilities, receive the necessary assistance to thrive and flourish in their sport.”

Donaldson emphasised Loughborough university’s commitment to creating an inclusive sporting landscape and their ambitious plans for the future. “We want to ensure para athletes get the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

“We are establishing a Universities/Higher Education working group, where para sports will take the front seat. Our aim is to make every one of our 62 Athletics clubs inclusive and welcoming to everyone who wants to participate.”

Donaldson also touched on Loughborough university’s dedication to increasing the provision for disabled students to engage in sports. “We want to make sure that those who were told at school that sports wasn’t for them have the opportunity to participate. We aim to expand para-coaching provisions with various sports and encourage disabled participants to become confident leaders in sports.

“We go into the community and bring the community into us as effectively as we can. The work done by our students, like Abbie Breakwell, who runs participatory events for wheelchair tennis every week, is a testament to the positive impact of community engagement in developing sports for everyone.”

Kukri remains committed to championing para sports and promoting the stories of exceptional athletes like Yasmina Eissa.

Kukri are proud partners of Loughborough University – providing brand-new match apparel, training and leisurewear across the whole of Loughborough’s varied sporting offer. Click here to find out more about them.

Keep an eye out for more para sports content coming soon.

06/07/202306/07/2023

Kukri Sports is delighted to launch a new campaign dedicated to showing its support for para-athletes and acknowledging their exceptional accomplishments across a wide range of sports.

This follows on from recent campaigns, which focused on women, men and youth athletes in their chosen sport. They included exclusive interviews with professional Cricket, Netball, Gymnastics & Rugby stars, as well as experiencing a day in the life of Ireland’s rising boxing star, Kieran Molloy, and Northern Diamonds spin bowler Katie Levick.

Throughout July, Kukri will be collaborating with para-athletes from a wide variety of sports. These athletes, who have conquered barriers and overcome obstacles, will provide insightful information for aspiring para-athletes and demonstrate the limitless possibilities that can be achieved through dedication and determination.

We will also be providing a platform for para-athletes from our partners, whilst also showcasing how our products continue to evolve in order to help them perform at their optimum level.

Speaking about the campaign, Kukri Sports’ Sales Director, Josh Beal, stated, “We are honoured to launch this campaign and provide a platform to celebrate para-athletes’ incredible accomplishments. Our aim is to promote diversity and inclusivity by providing sportswear that they feel comfortable, are able to perform and can be proud to wear whilst also helping to foster a society where every individual is recognised for their abilities, regardless of limitations.”

By highlighting the incredible talent and achievements of para-athletes, Kukri hopes to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equal sporting landscape.

Throughout this campaign and with the support of our partners, Kukri hopes to empower para-athletes, inspire the next generation, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse sports industry.

04/07/202303/07/2023

Over the last month, Kukri Sports has been proud to have placed a spotlight on the accomplishments of young, talented athletes across a wide range of sports.

The campaign aimed to provide a platform for these rising stars to showcase their skills, dedication to their sport, inspire others, and pave the way for their future success.

Among the remarkable stories during the campaign was the inspirational journey of Connie Clarke, an upcoming rugby star. Connie, who plays for one of Kukri’s rugby partners, Preston Grasshoppers, revealed how she went from nearly walking away from the sport to scoring two tries on her England Under-18s debut.

Click here to read more of our interview with Connie Clarke.

We also collaborated with British Gymnastics to speak with talented Rhythmic Gymnasts, Marfa Ekimova and Louise Christie. The pair outlined their dedication to the sport, how gymnastics has shaped their life so far and their goals for the future.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Reflecting on the campaign, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said, “Our commitment to nurturing young talent goes beyond just providing sportswear. We believe the power of sport to transform lives and communities. It has been fantastic to witness the dedication and talent of these young athletes across a wide range of sports, and we are excited to continue to play a role in their journey towards achieving success.”

Kukri Sports remains committed to its mission of empowering youth in sport beyond the campaign’s conclusion. We will continue to support young athletes through sponsorships, partnerships, and ongoing initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for aspiring athletes to succeed.

Keep an eye out for our next campaign coming soon, which will aim to demonstrate how we provide support for para-athletes across different sports.

07/06/202306/06/2023

Kukri Sports is proud to launch our latest campaign showcasing how we support and empower young athletes, with the aim of shining a light on their accomplishments across a variety of sports.

This follows on from our recent campaigns, focused on the support offered to women and men in sport, which included exclusive interviews with professional Netball and Cricket stars, as well as an Instagram takeover with Northern Diamonds star Katie Levick and Ireland’s rising boxing star Kieran Molloy.

Recognising the great potential of young athletes, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes by focusing on the developmental years.

Throughout the month of June, content will include interviews with several athletes and coaches from some of our key partners across a variety of different sports. We are also offering a 20% discount on all our youth training & leisurewear.

We will also provide a platform for some talented young athletes to showcase their talents, whilst offering exposure and recognition for their abilities in their respective sport.

“We firmly believe that every young athlete deserves an opportunity to pursue their sporting dreams. Through this campaign, we aim to empower and inspire the next generation, providing them with the tools, support and exposure to help them excel in their chosen sports. We’re excited to make a positive impact and collaborate with some of our partners throughout this month to showcase their talent, dedication and sporting achievements in their sport.” Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports.

At Kukri Sports, we are dedicated to providing contemporary and stylish designs which empower young athletes to feel proud to engage in sporting activities at every level.

We offer a wide range of sizes and designs in our youth sportswear to promote inclusivity, comfort, and performance for a diverse customer base.

We work directly with many young athletes in their respective sports, including our YTP Ambassadors , British Wheelchair Basketball, England Athletics, England Lacrosse, Loughborough Lightning, Netball Northern Ireland, and a host of schools and universities. Find out more about our partners here.

Keep an eye out for exclusive content throughout the month on our website and social media channels.

Click here for more information on 20% off all our Youth Training & Leisurewear products this month.

01/06/202301/06/2023

Over the last month, Kukri Sports has been proud to have shed light on the challenges faced by male athletes and promote their accomplishments and dedication to their respective sports.

The campaign included exclusive interviews with players from Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club, as well as a captivating look into the daily life of Ireland’s rising boxing sensation, Kieran Molloy.

Kukri, known for its commitment to supporting athletes at all levels, sought to highlight the personal journeys, sacrifices, and triumphs of these remarkable sportsmen.

We also sat down with International Beach Volleyball stars, the ‘Bello Brothers’, who spoke about the importance of having the correct sportswear in Beach Volleyball.

Click here to read more of our exclusive interview with the Bello Brothers.

The campaign also featured a day in the life Instagram takeover with Ireland’s rising boxing star Kieran Molloy. The takeover provided boxing fans with a rare glimpse into the intense training regimen, sacrifices, and determination required to excel in the demanding world of professional boxing. Click here to watch the full takeover.

We also spoke to Somerset CCC star Will Smeed , who shared his aims for the new Vitality Blast season and why he made the decision to walk away from red-ball cricket.

Click here to read the full interview with Will Smeed.

“We are thrilled to have created a platform for male athletes to share their stories and inspire others. Through our exclusive interviews and the ‘day in the life’ feature with Kieran Molloy, we aimed to showcase the dedication, hard work, and resilience of these remarkable individuals. We are proud to have played a part in promoting a positive narrative around men in sport.” Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports.

Our campaign also initiated a crucial conversation about the challenges athletes face in their respective sports. By sharing their stories, this campaign has hopefully inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles, reinforcing the notion that success is achieved through determination, hard work, and a supportive community.

Click here to read more.

As this campaign comes to a close, we remain committed to demonstrating our unwavering commitment to athletes of all genders, promoting inclusivity, and fostering an environment where every athlete can thrive.

Keep an eye out for our next campaign on ‘Supporting Youth in Sport’ coming soon.

26/05/202326/05/2023

As part of our ongoing campaign on supporting men in sport, Kukri Sports recently sat down with rising boxing star, Kieran Molloy, in an exclusive interview.

Kieran Molloy, who teamed up with Kukri as a sporting ambassador in March last year, has a bright future in boxing with his achievements including 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion and EU Bronze Medallist, all by the age of 23.

The now 24-year-old welterweight prospect enjoyed a triumphant return to his hometown Galway in his last bout, winning convincingly after an eight-round contest with Colombian Fernando Mosquera, dazzling the sell-out crowd and showing off his impressive arsenal of skills in the process.

Molloy (5-0, 3KOs) looks back on the fight fondly and insists he’s raring to go ahead of his next bout, scheduled against Kurt Walker in Belfast on Saturday 27 May.

“It was fantastic to headline in my own city. I was very proud to bring big time boxing back to my home town. A lot of the people that were in the crowd have supported me since I was a kid, so it was nice to put on a show for them.

“I’m feeling good ahead of my next fight,” Molloy said. “I’m training well here at Loughborough University and we’ve got some great facilities here, so you can’t really ask for much more than that.”

Molloy, who trains under the watchful eye of world-class coach, Angel Fernandez, is excited for the future under the Spaniard and also lavished praise on his fellow boxing training partners.

“I’m doing some great work with my coach, Angel Fernandez, and I also have the privilege of training with some other talented boxers in Richard Riakpohre, Frazer Clarke and Sergio Garcia, so we’re all pushing each other on every single day in order to achieve our goals and reach the very top.

“It’s nice to be able to train with them all. Richard is a lot more advanced in his career at the moment, but that level is what we want to aspire to and we know we can get there with the plan that Angel has in place for us. We always keep pushing each other on every day and we’re all working our way towards the top.”

Molloy’s commitment and knowledge of the sport in which he operates is compelling, and ahead of his next bout, he is not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead.

“In training you’ve got to have every box ticked before the fight. You could be training for a specific style, but your opponent might come out and do the exact opposite of what you are prepared for.

“You have got to adjust as the fight comes,” Molloy continued. “In our training camps we cover everything, whether our opponent is an aggressive fighter, counter puncher, if he’s on the run, if he’s slick or if he’s got a tight guard. It’s important we cover all aspects in training and that is what our coach, Angel, is very good at doing.”

Combining his exciting talent with his dedication to the sport, Molloy undoubtedly has a bright future in boxing and will do whatever it takes to reach his goal. Next up, Belfast.

Don’t miss out on 20% OFF all our men’s training & leisurewear products this month. Click here to find out more.

19/05/202319/05/2023

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, we spoke with some of our partner’s athletes from various sporting backgrounds on their personal experiences with mental health challenges, the importance of exercise and their advice for young athletes experiencing mental health challenges.

Kukri Sports understands the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week, an initiative launched by the Mental Health Foundation, which happens every year and aims to tackle the stigma around mental health.

Launched in 2001, the initiative is vital in increasing public understanding of mental health and how problems can be prevented. It also aims to help people understand and prioritise their and others’ mental health and well-being.

As part of our efforts to tackle the stigma around mental health and provide support, we spoke to athletes from various partners across different sports, who bravely share their personal experiences, their coping mechanisms and how their sport has positively impacted their mental health throughout their respective careers.

Adam Lyth, a Yorkshire County Cricket Club legend who has amassed over 200 first-class appearances and is the club’s leading run-scorer in the Vitality Blast, opened up about the challenges he has faced in his career. The left-handed opening batsmen insisted that a close support network has helped him through difficult periods.

“I was going through a difficult period of time when I was playing for England with the media, expectations and a loss of form from an individual perspective. That was probably the most difficult time in my career.

“I just tried to take everything out of it and concentrate on my job at the time, which I’m there to enjoy and love. Speaking openly and getting that support from your closest friends and family is really important, and it’s helped my greatly in my career up to this point.”

Lyth, who has sailed beyond 12,000 career runs in all first-class cricket, stressed the importance of young athletes speaking openly about their mental health challenges.

“I think it’s important that young athletes speak out, whether that be to friends, family, teammates or coaches. They are there to help you, and it’s never nice to see anyone going through difficult periods of time and them not wanting to speak out as a result of that.

“The most important thing for me is your family and the teammates you have around you, and if people speak out to them, they can hopefully help in getting athletes through a difficult period of time that will make them stronger for when they face other obstacles throughout their career.”

Kukri also spoke with international Beach Volleyball stars, the Bello Brothers, who already boast four World Tour medals, on the strategies they have found to be effective when competing at a high level.

“We also have long periods of time when we’re training without competitions during the off season or pre-season, so we find it very beneficial to have a good plan in place to ensure we stay focused and engaged at all times.

“We have a really good plan in place and team around us too, which helps to create the framework and routine that we follow, which allows us to have an element of consistency and helps keep our mental health in check.”

Javier Bello, who spoke on behalf of the Bello Brothers, also encouraged young athletes to speak out about the challenges they are facing.

“I think for any young athlete it’s important that you speak to people around you. Even if it’s just having a small conversation and not feeling like you are alone and fighting your own battle.

“It’s really important to get support from those around you such as friends, players and coaches that can help you overcome challenges.”

Kieran Molloy, Ireland’s rising boxing star who aspires to become a world champion, also gave an insight into the challenges he has faced in his career.

“I’ve had to step away from a lot of things, there’s no social life or going our partying as an athlete, but my dream of becoming a world champion outweighs all of that.

“But these are the sacrifices that athletes have got to make to reach the top and push for their dreams. You’ve got to be selfish, look after yourself and once those rewards eventually come, it’s all worth it.”

“Boxing is a very lonely sport, you spend a lot of time alone. It’s been difficult for me moving away from home at a young age and living alone, so you’ve got to surround yourself with people who you know are going to be there for you.

“I’ve got some great people around me here like my coach, Angel Fernandez, and the other boxers I train with such as Sergio Garcia, Frazer Clarke and Richard Riakporhe. We’re all in the same boat here and will be there for each other through thick and thin.

The 24-year-old, who made a triumphant return to his native Galway this month after beating Fernando Mosquera, also shared his advice for young aspiring boxers who are facing mental health challenges.

“Reach out to people. They can always give me or any of the other guys a message and we’d be more than happy to help and listen to what they have to say.

“Boxing is a very tough sport and if there is any way we can help people we will. Never be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling. There is a lot of good people in the world and a lot more good than bad out there, and I just think a simple message can go a long way to helping young boxers overcome challenges they are facing.”

Will Smeed, who became the first player to score a century in the Hundred in 2022. also spoke with Kukri on his coping strategies that help him mentally.

“A big thing for me is having a routine. I think having that in place helps me to cope with the pressures that come with cricket. I just try to enjoy it which helps to take that pressure off and go in with the mindset that I’m going out there to have fun and win, which for me is a good way to look at it.

“I think I’ve always been good at staying level and keeping things in perspective. Obviously, some people struggle with that a bit more, but I think it’s important that they have a routine to go back to, and if you are low, just keep persevering with that routine and then from there the performances will come good and that will help people to start feeling better about themselves.”

The 21-year-old, who starred on his England Lions debut in July 2022, is encouraged by the support out there for people struggling with their mental health.

“There are a lot of avenues out there now that athletes can pursue to get the help they need and get on top of their mental health. The main thing for me is to find your support network and reach out to people.

“I think the main thing is if you are struggling is not to be afraid to speak out and seek help.

“Especially with a sport like Cricket, I think it’s very important to stay level-headed. If players can find their own way of coping with the different challenges that cricket throws at you, then I think that will only help them in the long-term.”

As all the above athletes attest, exercise can be a powerful tool in the fight against mental health challenges. Although, with that can come pressure and increased expectation, which is where it is important to speak out and be open about your struggles.

We hope that their experiences will help others to seek help and support when needed, and to see the benefits of exercise in improving young athletes’ and other individuals’ mental health.

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week and how you can access support, click here.

12/05/202312/05/2023

As part of our campaign on supporting men in sport, we recently sat down with our Beach Volleyball ambassadors, the Bello Brothers, in an exclusive interview.

The Bello Brothers, also known as Javier and Joaquin Bello, teamed up with Kukri Sports back in November 2022, in a partnership which has seen us provide them with sportswear for training and competitions.

The Madrid-born stars, who produced some breathtaking displays to earn bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, have developed in the UK under the guidance of their father, Luis Bello, who continues to coach the team.

The twins, now aged just 22, have been making history since their international debut in 2016, and already boast four World Tour medals, Commonwealth Bronze and three-straight British Championships.

As they aim to push for Olympic qualification and lead the growth of the sport, Javier Bello, speaking on behalf of the Bello Brothers, stressed the importance of the right sportswear when competing, and praised Kukri’s involvement.

“In Beach Volleyball we are constantly facing difficult conditions, which means we need kit that is not only durable, but can also sustain itself in those situations and provide support for us to help us play with intensity and compete at the highest level, both in training and matches.

“The kit from Kukri has been high-quality. We have worn a wide range of products since we teamed up last year, which has been very beneficial for us.

“We train in different conditions, and Kukri have supplied us with some great jackets which we wear a lot as they help to keep us warm when we are training in colder conditions.”

The Bello Brothers, who are preparing for the their next event in the upcoming Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Ostrava, Czech Republic, believe that sportswear for Beach Volleyball is heading in the right direction.

“Having the right sportswear helps us feel comfortable and ultimately perform at a higher level. It allows you to focus on your performance, rather than being distracted by the fitting of the kit or how it looks.

“Players don’t want a source of distraction when they are playing, so having the right sportswear helps to enhance performance levels, which is something that has really benefitted us since we partnered with Kukri.

“Hopefully, we can continue to see development of sportswear in Beach Volleyball. We look forward to wearing more Kukri kit in our upcoming competitions that will help us to compete and push for our goal of qualifying for the Olympics.”

To find out more about the Bello Brothers, click here.

Follow the Bello Brothers on social media:

Instagram

@javier_bello1

@joa_bello

Facebook

@teambellovolley

Twitter:

@TeamBelloVolley

Don’t miss out on 20% OFF all our men’s training & leisurewear products this month. Click here to find out more.

03/05/202303/05/2023

Kukri is proud to launch a new campaign dedicated to supporting men in sport. The aim is to highlight the accomplishments of male athletes and how we aim to provide support, whilst also collaborating with key partner to raise awareness around the importance of mental health and well-being in sport.

This follows on from our women in sport campaign, which shone a light on the accomplishments of women and promoted inclusivity in the industry. We also interviewed ex England Netball captain, Olivia Murphy, Northern Diamonds Phoebe Turner, and Severn Stars’ Grace Namana, as well as experiencing a day in the life of Northern Diamonds star Katie Levick.

Click here to recap on our supporting women in sport campaign’s activities.

This month, we will be collaborating with several male athletes to highlight the importance of sportswear in their respective sport, as well as highlighting the importance of positive mental health in sports and how they have tackled their challenges.

Activities will include interviews with several athletes from key partners in different sports, as well as an Instagram takeover with our boxing ambassador, Kieran Molloy. Plus, we will also be launching 20% off all our men’s training & leisurewear products throughout May.

At Kukri Sports, we are dedicated to providing contemporary and stylish designs which empower men to feel proud to engage in sporting activities at every level.

We offer a wide range of sizes and designs in our men’s sportswear to promote inclusivity, comfort, and performance for a diverse customer base.

We work with many male athletes in their respective sports, including those at England Athletics and British Gymnastics, as well as professional clubs such as Ulster Rugby, Somerset CCC and Yorkshire CCC. We are also championing exciting talent through our ambassadors such as Irish professional boxer, Kieran Molloy and beach volleyball stars, Javier and Joaquin Bello.

“At Kukri, we understand the importance of comfortable sportswear for men when taking part in sporting activities. Our bespoke kits are designed to not only meet the sportswear needs of men, but also to help them feel empowered and confident in their athletic pursuits.

“We are proud to support men in sport and play our part in designing kit that they can feel proud to wear when participating.” – Lauren Brigden, Product Designer at Kukri Sports.

Kukri Sports is proud to be at the forefront of designing bespoke sportswear for men across a variety of sports. Customers can follow this campaign throughout the month on our website, as well as on our social media channels.

For more information on our 20% discount on all our men’s training & leisurewear products, please click here.