NUS SWD Sports Day
Martin Jermyn, Equal Opportunities Officer, Nottingham University Students’ Union writes why he went to the NUS SWD Sports Day, what he learnt and what actions his Union are taking after attending the event.
The Students with Disabilities Sports Day provided us, the University of Nottingham Students’ Union, with a fantastic opportunity to discuss, understand and appreciate a large number of issues that students with disabilities face when participating in sporting activities.
The day clearly identified why students with disabilities are less involved and that there is a need for not only the University of Nottingham Students’ Union to provide opportunities in sport regardless of disability, but a need for all institutions to do so. There is not only a need to provide opportunities, there is a need to change the attitude and culture which exists on campus.
Hearing the direct experiences of students with disabilities was extremely eye opening, compelling and inspirational. This key part of the day acted as a catalyst for us to drive forward and act upon our ideas. A key issue raised by students at the event is that students with disabilities are so used to being told no and being presented with barriers to participation that they no longer speak up and sadly except the exclusion with which they are faced. This we strongly feel should no longer be the case and that there is no better time than now to start making a difference.
The University of Nottingham Students’ Union is now keen to implement a range of ideas, initiatives and activities as a result of the students with disabilities sports day. Initially we are going to set up, under our “Why Don’t U” programme a number of boccia and gall ball sessions, which will be open for all. We feel that this will be well attended and from this hope to work with neighbouring Students’ Unions to setup mini leagues. We are already working alongside our sports centre to develop training for our sports coaches to enable them to coach students with disabilities.
Furthermore we plan to provide a listing of local facilities available to use and develop links with local disabled sport teams and groups. Hopefully we will be able to work alongside those groups for the benefit of all students.
Overall the University of Nottingham Students’ Union is committed to providing inclusive activities and our current plans are a very positive step in the right direction.
If you have any questions or comments please contact Martin Jermyn, Equal Opportunities Officer on 0115 84 68771, alternatively email suequalopps@nottingham.ac.uk
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