The rugby season may have ended in the UAE but this hasn’t stopped players coming out to take part in a fundraiser on Friday in support of Abu Dhabi Harlequins prop Mike Ballard.
The 29-year-old suffered a spinal injury in the ARFU West Asia Champion Club final on April 4, and is currently receiving medical treatment in his native Michigan.
Although it is too early to say whether he will be able to walk again, his parents have already started making their house wheelchair friendly for when Ballard is discharged so that he can continue his rehabilitation at home.
To help support the prop financially, the Mike Ballard Foundation was launched with all proceeds donated to help him in his recovery.
Friday’s match between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at Zayed Sports City in the UAE capital, which begins at 19:00 and is open to the public, is the latest initiative to raise funds.
“Rugby League is a great game, and we will be playing the sport in support of a great player to raise awareness for the Mike Ballard Foundation,” said Harlequins player Ben Bolger.
“A selection of players from Al Ain, Saracens and Harlequins (both Abu Dhabi) will form the Abu Dhabi team against a team of Dubai-based players.”
Ballard’s injury left a lasting effect among the UAE’s rugby community and Bolger is keen to do as much to help the 29-year-old.
He said: “He’s one of our good friends here. We’re going to try as much as we can on the day in aid of him.
“What happened to Mike has had a massive emphasis in trying to raise money for him. This game will go a long way in helping him.
“He’s one of the most positive guys that I know. He’s obviously disappointed and looking to get back on the field.”
Last month saw the success of the foundation’s first event – ‘70s and ‘80s Night at the Clubhouse at Zayed Sports City, which was attended by 228 people.
More than Dh53,000 was raised and Bolger is confident Friday’s match will be another success.
Bolger said: “Whether you like rugby league or not, it’s going to be a great night and you will learn more about rugby league and the foundation.
“The idea is to get enough people there and there will be buckets going round. We just want to encourage many people to come to the game, and they can donate whatever amount no matter how big or small.”
Eileen Siegal, of the Mike Ballard Foundation, echoed Bolger’s opinion of the Harlequins prop.
“Ballard is making slow progress and has already lifted his left leg a little, which may seem not a lot but it’s a big achievement,” she said. “He played for the UAE team and helped the Harlequins junior team. He was a friend to everybody and if someone was injured then Mike would be the first one to help out. He is still a big part of the club even though he isn’t here with us in the UAE.
“We just want many people to come to the match and show their support and see a lot of money raised for a great man.
“We will be selling T-shirts on the night as well as bucket donations and we want to our bit in the UAE to help him.”
VENUE: Zayed Sports City
WHAT: Rugby league match between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for Mike Ballard Foundation
WHEN: Friday, May 16 at 19:00
Sport360 VERDICT: With Mike Ballard recovering from a long-term injury, you can show your support with proceeds going to the Harlequins prop.
CONTACT: The Mike Ballard Foundation on Facebook
