Boxing gloves worn by the city’s own double Olympic champion Nicola Adams and a bike and kit belonging to Horsforth’s Alistair Brownlee, the only athlete to hold two Olympic triathlon titles, are among a glittering array of memorabilia on display in Abbey House Museum’s All to Play For.
Their impressive triumphs are heralded alongside the likes of Saima Hussain, England’s first female Asian rugby league player and former University of Leeds student Claire Cashmore, who represented Team GB at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds has an incredibly rich sporting history and sport has played such an integral role in our culture and heritage over the centuries.
“It’s fitting that we celebrate the accomplishments of those history-makers who put Leeds on the sporting map but it’s also amazing to see how the sheer joy of playing and competing has clearly meant so much to the city and its communities.”
Here’s a special look at some of the unique displays coming to the exhibit – opens at Abbey House Museum on January 21.
7. All to Play For exhibition
Parts of a vast collection of Leeds United memorabilia including programmes and pennants from the 1960s up until today, which were donated by the family of a lifelong fan of the Whites also features in the exhibition. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
8. All to Play For exhibition
They are displayed alongside scarves and shirts worn by players and fans at the club’s famous Elland Road home. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
9. All to Play For exhibition
The exhibit ranges from a tribute to outdoor play of old to tributes to legendary sports stars including Leeds cycling icon Beryl Burton. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. All to Play For exhibition
The exhibit even houses a collection of classic sporting board games which are sure to offer a trip down memory lane. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
11. All to Play For exhibition
It also features a dazzling cabinet stuffed with accolades awarded for everything from darts and billiards to hairdressing and rose-growing. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. All to Play For exhibition
The exhibition opens at Abbey House Museum on January 21. Photo: Bruce Rollinson