What a few weeks it has been for sport and an introduction into my new role as Sheffield SU’s first Wellbeing and Sports Officer.
On my first day in office Sheffield Sports Committee held a successful Sports Day Tournament open to everyone, this saw participants get to try out different sports and raise money for OddBalls charity while having fun doing it. We have also seen the England Men’s Football team reach a major international final for the first time in 55 years, the British & Irish Lions have kick started their tournament securing some mighty wins and let’s not forget Wimbledon amongst other international competitions too!
It has been a delight to see the joy sport can bring for so many people – even for those who do not partake in it themselves. With these sporting triumphs however we cannot ignore what the rhetoric around these tournaments has highlighted. I specified England Men’s Football team for a reason, England Women’s Football team reached the UEFA finals in 2009 and 1984 – however the majority of the headlines would leave you surprised at this fact as the focus around English football still spotlights men’s football as the rule. The disparity between men’s and women’s space in sport is abundantly clear. I hope we can learn from this omission and the support we have shown our Men’s football team can follow on next year into the women’s Euros in 2022.
I would also like to turn to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open which has been celebrated as a mental health win. Osaka, who is ranked as the second top female tennis player in the world, withdrew from the tournament stating “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players, and my well-being is that I withdraw”. This decision has symbolised the importance of looking after your mental health no matter what stage or space you are in, be that work, sport, university with friends or family – if you are being negatively impacted you have every right to remove yourself from the situation. Osaka’s honesty demonstrates courage and normalises the fact that many of us suffer from mental illness.
Both these topics clearly demonstrate the power of sport and I am proud to see sporting individuals lead the way in displaying the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
I look forward to the year ahead.
In addition, the racism, xenophobia and abuse that followed the UEFA final is not acceptable. As an officer team we addressed this at @su_officerteam yesterday. I have included support services if you need them at the end.
Wishing you all the best.
Charlotte McGinley
Wellbeing & Sports Officer
(she/her)
Victim Support
Victim Support provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)
Phone: 028 9024 3133 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) (Northern Ireland)
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Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. There 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone: 116 123 (24/7)
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If you or someone else who is a member of staff, student, or visitor, experience any form of discrimination you can use this site to report your concerns and access support. (You can report anonymously too)
https://reportandsupport.sheffield.ac.uk/
Advice and Support
If you need any advice on how to deal with an issue, Sheffield SU advisers are currently working remotely.
To get in touch, please email advice@sheffield.ac.uk
