SPORTS PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

The York Sport Union President is the main point of contact for all University and college sport clubs. They coordinate and develop sport within YUSU and work to increase opportunities and participation. They help to shape the direction of sports and physical activity at the University of York, as well as running massive events such as Roses, College Varsity, and the Colours Ball.

DECLAN THOMAS | HE/HIM/HIS | LET’S USE SPORT TO MAKE A CHANGE #DEC4SPORTS

Law | Third Year | @dec4sportspresident

How are you going to ensure that University and college sport is more diverse and accessible to students of all backgrounds? In terms of making college and University sport more accessible, I’m going to secure more consistent and improved funding for the ‘activities access grant’, to ensure that no students are left feeling like they are unable to participate in sport at any period during the year. In terms of making sport at York more diverse, I want to work with teams to continue to tackle issues of discriminatory conduct to foster an environment of acceptance.

What sport would you like to see added at Roses?

If you asked me which sports I would like to see added to roses last year, I would have advocated for motorsport. This year is the first year that motorsport has been given the opportunity to participate in Roses which has successfully created more variety in the competition. This fills me with confidence that in the future we can work alongside Lancaster to celebrate more of our sporting clubs such as boxing and athletics.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Sustainable Sport - I will make sport at York better for the environment.

2. Charitable Sport - I will ensure we fully utilise sport in York to maximise charitable opportunities.

3. Accessible Sport - I will create more support for students in sport.

JAMES ‘JAMMY’ CLARKE | HE/THEY | MAKE A CHANGE - VOTE JAMMY

History of Art and Curating | Third Year | @votejammy

How are you going to ensure that University and college sport is more diverse and accessible to students of all backgrounds?

Expanding the awareness and use of the access grant is a primary concern of mine to tackle the cost of living crisis’ accessibility impact on students of all backgrounds. Furthermore, practically, I wish to install sensory spaces around campus that will create an inclusive and accessible spectator experience for all those who wish to use them. I hope that the combination of these two policies will provide both immediate relief and long-term prospects for all.

What sport would you like to see added at Roses?

Breaking (breakdancing) or skateboarding. Two amazing entertaining sports picked up by Paris for the 2024 Olympics and if they can do it, why can’t we! Any sport that encourages excitement in both participants and spectators is always a yes in my book.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. I will ensure the smooth integration of sport in to the ‘semesterisation’ coming 2023/24.

2. I will enact an efficient financial plan to tackle the cost of living crisis’ effects on sport.

3. I will provide sensory spaces on campus to establish inclusive and accessible sports-viewing areas.

TANISHA JAIN | SHE/HER/HERS | ONLY WAY, TJ!

Psychology | Third Year

How are you going to ensure that University and college sport is more diverse and accessible to students of all backgrounds?

As an international student who is a POC and part of the LGBTQ community, inclusion and accessibility are of great importance to me. I would hold focus groups with students from underrepresented communities and the respective student officers to hear what they want from sports at York. I’d also like to allocate more funds to disability sports and also encourage more trans/non-binary/ gender fluid athletes to come together and help me make participation in sports at York more inclusive.

What sport would you like to see added at Roses?

I would love to see MMA/boxing be an official Roses event, and also other smaller and unconventional clubs get more recognition like Jiu Jitsu, Archery, Ultimate Frisbee, Karate, etc.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Eliminate barriers, destigmatize stereotypes and improve inclusion in all aspects of sports.

2. Stronger, better and clearer college sports network and support system.

3. Focus on the quality of training we provide, and maximise the use of our facilities, including storage facilities.