Leadership in the community is not defined by titles or accolades, but by the ability to bring people together, create opportunities, and inspire lasting change. Few embody this spirit as fully as Abdul Hie Even, former President of the Royal Bengal Sports Association (RBSA) — an internationally recognized sports organization affiliated with the University of Regina, whose vision and dedication transformed a local sports club into a hub of multicultural unity.
During his tenure as President, Abdul Hie Even guided the Royal Bengal Sports Association in serving more than 400 players representing over 15 countries, including newcomers, international students, and refugees. His leadership was defined by a clear and purposeful mission — to harness the universal language of football to promote friendship, teamwork, and community spirit. Through his exceptional leadership, motivational approach, and collaborative efforts, he provided unwavering support to the club’s members, fostering an environment where everyone could thrive both on and off the field.
Under Mr. Even’s leadership, the Royal Bengal Sports Association achieved remarkable milestones, with the Grand Gala Night standing out as a signature achievement. The event brought together Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of Parliament (MPs), community leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate diversity, talent, and unity. More than just a celebration, it was a powerful statement that sport can bridge cultures and that community support is the foundation for lasting growth.
A key factor in the event’s success was Even’s ability to secure significant sponsorships from organizations such as UR International, URSU, Tandoori Kabab, and Fancy Fork. His skill in building relationships and earning trust enabled him to unite sponsors, community leaders, and members of RBSA under a shared vision. This achievement went beyond event planning — it reflected his strategic leadership, persuasive communication, and dedication to the club’s mission.
As President, Even embraced the significant responsibility of bringing all members under the same umbrella, fostering harmony and inclusivity within the organization. In doing so, he earned not only the respect and loyalty of RBSA’s members but also the admiration of sponsors and influential personalities, including Noor Burki, MLAs, and MPs. His tenure exemplified the principle that with great power comes great responsibility — a responsibility he met with vision, integrity, and commitment.
Even’s journey as a leader began long before Canada. In Bangladesh, he was an active member of the Leo Club, the youth wing of Lions Clubs International, where he worked on initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities. Among his impactful projects was collaborating with organizations to empower widowed women through job opportunities and training — an experience that shaped his values of empathy, inclusivity, and sustainable change.
For Even, sports management was never just about winning matches — it was about building connections that last a lifetime. His initiatives created spaces where players from different backgrounds could find common ground, where newcomers could feel at home, and where community members could stand side by side, united by shared goals on and off the field.
Another defining moment of Mr. Even’s leadership came on 22 September 2024, when he took on the heroic responsibility of organizing an extraordinary fundraising event to aid underprivileged communities in Bangladesh affected by devastating floods. In collaboration with the Regina Elite Sporting Club (RESC), the Royal Bengal Sports Association (RBSA) hosted the event at the Multipurpose Building of the University of Regina, bringing together compassion, culture, and community spirit.
The evening featured a vibrant live performance by Bong Street, a popular Regina-based band whose energetic and soulful music captivated the audience. The concert was more than entertainment — it was a rallying point for the Bangladeshi community and supporters from across Regina, united by a shared mission to provide relief to those in need.
Under Even’s guidance, the event was meticulously planned and executed, from securing the venue and coordinating with performers to mobilizing community members and ensuring every detail contributed to the cause. Tickets were sold with all proceeds directed toward flood relief efforts, turning every seat filled into a step toward hope for the victims.
This initiative showcased Even’s ability to blend organizational skills with genuine empathy, demonstrating that leadership is not only about managing people but also about inspiring them to act for the greater good. His unwavering commitment transformed the evening into a powerful display of solidarity, proving once again that with vision and dedication, sport and community can come together to make a real difference.
In 2024, the Royal Bengal Soccer Association (RBSA) proudly expanded its impact by investing in the next generation of athletes and community leaders. In collaboration with the Regina Elite Sporting Club (RESC), RBSA hosted its first-ever Kids’ Summer Soccer Camp 2024, an initiative designed to foster sportsmanship, discipline, and joy among young players.
Over the course of two months, from July to August, 32 children aged 6 to 14 enthusiastically participated in the camp, which was held twice a week — every Tuesday and Thursday — throughout the summer. The sessions were organized and managed by dedicated members of RBSA and RESC, who brought both experience and passion to every training session and matchday. To make the event even more special, RBSA provided exclusive Kids’ Summer Soccer Camp jerseys for the young participants. These bright, high-quality jerseys, generously sponsored by Tandoor Kabab, sparked pride and team spirit among the children, adding a celebratory touch to the summer experience.
The project’s success was a direct reflection of Mr. Even’s leadership. From the early planning stages to the final whistle of the season, Mr. Even ensured every detail was handled with care. He coordinated volunteers, secured sponsorship, and promoted the program in a way that brought families together from across Regina. His vision was not just to run a camp, but to create a safe, structured, and inspiring environment where children could learn teamwork, consistency, and fair play while building lifelong friendships.
Each match was filled with moments of laughter, learning, and encouragement — a testament to the positive environment Even helped foster. The Kids’ Summer Soccer Camp has since been recognized as one of RBSA’s most successful events of 2024, reinforcing the club’s mission to extend meaningful opportunities beyond adult recreation and into youth development.
For Even, the camp was more than a seasonal program — it was a step toward building the future of the community. By nurturing young athletes, he also nurtured values of inclusion, unity, and personal growth, ensuring that youth empowerment through soccer will remain at the heart of RBSA’s growing legacy.
From uniting over 400 players from diverse backgrounds, to organizing landmark events like the Grand Gala Night, to leading humanitarian efforts for flood victims in Bangladesh, and creating opportunities for youth through the Kids’ Summer Soccer Camp, Abdul Hie Even’s journey as President of the Royal Bengal Sports Association reflects a rare combination of vision, dedication, and compassion.
His leadership is marked by an ability to inspire action, foster collaboration, and turn ambitious ideas into successful, impactful initiatives. His management style blends strategic planning with a personal touch — ensuring that every project not only meets its goals but also strengthens the bonds within the community. Whether securing high-profile sponsorships, coordinating large-scale events, or mentoring the next generation, Mr. Even consistently demonstrates that leadership is not about authority, but about service, trust, and the ability to bring people together under a shared purpose.
Even’s legacy is one of bridges built — between cultures, generations, and communities. His work stands as a reminder that through effective leadership and heartfelt commitment, sport can be more than a game — it can be a powerful force for unity, inclusion, and lasting change. Even’s unwavering dedication to RBSA was evident in every initiative he undertook, always going above and beyond to ensure the club’s vision was realized. His exceptional leadership and meticulous management turned challenges into opportunities, setting a standard of excellence that will inspire future leaders of the association.
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