By Caitlin Clark | Marketing & Communications Officer
Atlas Asia was set up to continue the work of The Nicholson Memorial Fund. The Nicholson Memorial Fund was set up by Ben Nicholson in memory of his wife Anita and their two children Alex and Annabel who tragically lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019. Anita was a hugely popular member of the Atlas Foundation family. She set up and ran our first ever fundraising dinner with a Halloween themed event at the Singapore Cricket Club on 31st October 2018 with Jason Leonard there to promote Atlas’s work in the Far East, raising over £20,000. We remain eternally grateful to her and are all devastated to have lost her.
Take a moment to read through the latest updates:
Atlas Asia Lions Dinner | Fullerton Hotel, Singapore | 12 June 2025
On June 12th, Atlas Asia will host a standout evening at the Fullerton Hotel Ballroom for our Atlas Asia Lions Dinner. This Black Tie event will bring together 180–200 guests to celebrate the upcoming British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia and the transformative impact of Atlas Asia’s work.
Our panel of guest speakers, Jonathan Davies OBE, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Justin Harrison, will share unique insights into international rugby and their own Lions experiences. Their stories sparking meaningful conversations around sport, inclusion, and global development.
The night will also highlight Atlas Asia’s progress across the region, from inclusive rugby clinics to educational empowerment, culminating in a silent auction to raise essential funds to further our mission.
Kidmando Rugby Clinic | Singapore | 13 June 2025
In partnership with Kidmando and the Anita, Alex, and Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund, Atlas Asia proudly supports a youth rugby clinic on June 13th. With 45-minute sessions tailored for U7–U12 and U13–U17 players, children will receive expert coaching followed by a 15-minute photo opportunity with rugby legends Adam Ashley-Cooper and Jonathan Davies OBE.
Mixed Ability Rugby Programme | Singapore
Thanks to generous support from Active Ops and GB7s, Atlas Asia has raised $4,500 SGD to fuel the expansion of our Mixed Ability Rugby initiative. With more schools joining the programme, these funds will ensure greater participation and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities. We are now actively pursuing local sponsorship to host a Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament in Singapore, marking the next milestone in our drive for inclusive sport.
WAH Foundation Language Lab | Kampong Chhang, Cambodia
Launched in February 2025, our Language Lab in Cambodia has grown significantly, now supporting 80 students across 4 groups. Plans are underway to expand to 180 students by July. In April, Jake from Studycat, our language partner, visited the site for on-ground support and continued impact analysis. His findings will inform future development and funding applications. This June, Atlas Asia volunteer Rosie Chong will visit to meet with Kampuchea Balopp (KB), co-lead a rugby session, and help design a long-term rugby development plan. Rosie will also introduce Days For Girls care packages to kick-start discussions around menstrual health and explore a future initiative focused on period poverty.
Lanna Rugby Club | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Lanna Rugby Club continues to invest in the growth of community rugby. With plans to access RFU Level 1 coaching and referee training, the club is building internal capacity for long-term sustainability.
Following a series of successful holiday camps, the club is now using remaining funds to purchase rugby equipment for local NGOs. While coaching costs are covered by an existing grant, Lanna hopes to secure new support to fund referee accreditation, ensuring safe and structured match play.
Together, We Are Changing Lives Through Rugby
From Singapore to Cambodia to Thailand, Atlas Asia is breaking down barriers and building up communities, using rugby as the catalyst for change. None of this is possible without your support.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
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