DERWENT TENNIS INCLUSIVITY

ROSS MCKENZIE IS the President and men’s Captain for Derwent Tennis. As he comes to the end of his year in committe he is passionate about ensuring the club is left with plans to become more inclusive.

In a statement introducing himself he said “I have been in the club for the last few years. As one of my last acts at the club, I want to make a major step towards increasing inclusivity at the University of York. I am personally going to start planning so that the committee next year can introduce Wheelchair Tennis sessions for disabled students”

McKenzie has confirmed that he has met with YUSU representatives to discuss his plans and in- itiate the first steps. He says that the York Sport Union President Franki Riley is meeting with the network for disabled students at York to discuss disabled sport further. this.”

As part of his role as president and mens captain, McKenzie is going to introduce a specific role for promoting inclusivity and diversity. This will be brought in for next year’s committee.

McKenzie urges other Univerity of York sports teams “to start thinking about following in our footsteps.”

Derwent Tennis hold sessions 3:30-5pm on a Friday that have great turnouts. The hope is to encourage even more people to get involved.

Speaking on the University’s inclusivity efforts, McKenzie says “I think that the University of York is great for promoting inclusivity and diversity but, I think the sports teams can do more to cater for those with disabilities.

I haven’t seen any teams doing

On January 25, 2023 York Sport Union President Franki Riley announced the launch of the Accessible Sport and Physical Activity Consultation. She said on Instagram “I managed to secure a significant fund to provide accessible sport equipment and I am so excited to be able to start utilising this”.

Riley confirms that YUSU are working collaboratively with the Disabled Students’ Officer and Network.

Riley said “I passionately believe sports should be for everyone, and that no one should face barriers to their participation, however unfortunately this is not often the reality. I want to change that!”