Dalai Lama to bless football pitch
The Dalai Lama is to address devoted Buddhists — at the home of football minnows Aldershot Town.
The spiritual leader of Tibet is expected to bless the pitch at the 7,100-capacity EBB Stadium in June.
His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, 77 — who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 — will deliver a talk on “non-violence, dialogue and universal responsibility” during an eight-day tour of the UK.
He is going to Aldershot because of the Hampshire town’s large Nepalese community — after its links to the Army’s Gurkha soldiers.
The Dalai Lama is not the first world leader to visit the stadium — formerly called The Recreation Ground.
Richard Petty, of Aldershot Town FC, said: “Margaret Thatcher visited our club once — but we’ve never had a head of state like this.
“I will ask him to bless the pitch and give us divine assistance for next season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Buddhist community and the Dalai Lama to our ground. As a football club we’re striving to build relationships with local communities.”
Tickets for the lecture cost £30 for a seat, £15 for a standing terrace and £100 for a VIP box.
The Dalai Lama has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning six continents and has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations.
He has received 84 awards, doctorates and prizes and written more than 72 books.
