Batley Bulldogs will use this Sunday’s Derby game against Dewsbury to honour Jo Cox.
They will also have as guests of honour Bernard Kenny and his family to recognise his heroic efforts when he was badly hurt trying to save her.
Proceeds from a commemorative programme will go to Mrs Cox’s favourite charities.
The front page will have a picture of Jo which spectators will be asked to hold up in the air during a minute’s silence.
The tribute will begin with the traditional Rugby League hymn Abide With Me sung without any music by Birstall man Paul Egan. Then the chairmen of both clubs along with Bernard Kenny will in turn place sunflowers – Mrs Cox’s favourite flower – in the centre of the pitch.
Both teams will then enter the stadium and each player followed by cheerleaders will in turn place a sunflower in the centre. There will then be the minute’s silence when programmes can be held aloft. The flowers will then be removed by the Bulldogs cheerleaders and placed by the memorial garden.
Bulldogs Chairman Kevin Nicholas said: “We understand the sunflower was a favourite flower of Jo and it is also appropriate for her and a celebration of her life as anyone who ever met her will know that with her infectious smile and unbounding energy and enthusiasm for life, she could not fail to brighten anyone’s day. It is a very sad occasion but we also wish to highlight the joy and goodness she brought to our community.”
* Clr Marielle O’Neill and organisation Batley Smile are hosting a civic event at Batley Town Hall from 2pm-4pm on Saturday where people can come, sit down, have a cuppa and talk to each other about the loss of Jo Cox
