As the NTSU Exec Team elections are nearing, we got in touch with the four candidates running for the VP Sport role to help you decide who to vote for.
The VP Sport is the lead role and figurehead of student sport.
They are responsible for liaising with NTU Sport as well as providing strategic direction for the continual improvement and quality of NTU’s sports clubs.
The VP Sport chairs the Sports Assembly meetings and will be the lead Executive Officer for the annual Varsity series.
Here is what this year’s VP Sport candidates had to say.
Jodi Stephens, current VP Sport
Why are you fit for the VP Sport role?
I am the current VP Sport and believe I can make a further positive impact on students during a second year!
I understand the relationships between physical activity and mental health, and how sport can be such a huge part of the university experience. I love both watching and playing sport and am currently playing on the water polo team for NTU.
Being able to access and excel at sport is so vital and would love the chance to continue some of the work I have started this term such as recognition for sports clubs via a ‘Club of the Week’ award, access to sports funding for students during the cost-of-living crisis as well as planning a ‘Sports committee ball’ social to allow for committees to meet each other.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I am friendly and approachable and have already built strong positive relationships with sports clubs and societies which I would love to continue.
The experience I have gained from my year in the post has been invaluable. I have a good relationship with the staff at NTU Sport which helps enable me to have a platform to make a change and provide a voice for students.
My passion lies within allowing sport to be accessible for all students, whether through clubs, leagues, Play for Fun, or taster sessions.
I would like to ensure every club has a voice, and work proactively with committees to ensure they have the best experience possible at NTU.
What changes will you make to NTU Sport if elected?
Increasing participation is something I am currently working on and would like to continue this with a focus on student groups who typically are less engaged in sports.
I aim to rebrand ‘Intra Mural leagues’ (social sport/play for fun leagues) to make this more accessible and clearer for new starters and international students.
I will continue to advertise clubs and ensure that all students can access sports, helping to understand and break down any barriers they may have.
The sport access fund has been vital for helping students access sports, and I aim to proactively work to find funding to enable this.
Maddie Thomas, third-year BA Photography
Why are you fit for the VP Sport role?
I would make a good VP Sport because I have a wealth of experience working within NTU Sport and being president of Touch Rugby for the last two years.
I would love to help improve the student experience at NTU and give more students the opportunities I’ve had, which have been invaluable to my development and experience over my last three years at NTU.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have unique experience working with the Sport department at NTU as the BUCS assistant for the last two years. This role has involved me Assisting with coordinating fixtures, disputes and scores for all BUCS Leagues and Knockout sports at NTU. I am also responsible for all BUCS team and individual event entries.
This experience within the department gives me knowledge and skills, which provides me with a unique understanding of the sport experience from both a staff and student point of view.
What changes will you make to NTU Sport if elected?
- Increase ‘sober’ socials such as paintball and team-building activities, with bookings made through a similar set-up to ocean tickets.
- Improve sports awards: having ‘Proud to be Pink’ awards in person.
- Match of the week: increasing awareness of match of the week to encourage spectators to watch home games.
- NTU Game streaming: distribute NTU game footage to SU Bar to showcase talent and success.
- Committee involvement: meet with committees to ensure clubs feel heard.
Omer Bicimveren, MA Computer Science
Why are you fit for the VP Sport role?
I am a strong candidate for the VP Sport role due to my extensive leadership experience as a student, where I have consistently demonstrated problem-solving skills. During my undergraduate studies in Turkey, I represented my university in various capacities, including as the president of the AI Club, captain of the volleyball team, and council-university engagement officer.
As a postgraduate and students’ representative at NTIC, I gained valuable insight into the challenges that students face and learned how to effectively advocate for their needs. I am currently the captain of the M1 volleyball team, the coach of the M2 team, and the volleyball club secretary. These roles have allowed me to develop strong organisational and communication skills.
I am passionate about ensuring that students have access to high-quality sporting facilities and programmes, and I am committed to promoting inclusivity and teamwork within the university. As VP Sport, I would work tirelessly to achieve these goals and to fight for students’ rights.
Overall, my experience, skills, and passion make me an excellent candidate for the VP Sport role. I would be honoured to contribute to the university community in this capacity.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
As one of the four candidates for the VP Sport role at NTU, I am excited to have the opportunity to bring my unique qualifications and experiences to the table. I believe that my problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and outgoing personality make me particularly suited for this position.
As a student with 18 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, I have developed a strong problem-solving mindset that I believe is essential for this role. I have also gained leadership experience as the captain of various volleyball teams, including my current role as the NTU Volleyball M1 captain. This experience has honed my leadership skills and taught me how to motivate and guide a team towards success.
In addition, I am a social person who enjoys making connections and helping others. I believe that this outgoing personality would allow me to represent NTU effectively in all areas. I am confident that my qualifications and experiences make me a strong candidate for the VP Sport role at NTU.
What changes will you make to NTU Sport if elected?
As VP Sport, I plan to make several changes to NTU Sport to enhance the student experience and engagement in sports. This includes discounted transportation, prominent athlete speakers, a redesigned app, free Ocean tickets, joint training sessions with other universities, and a talent scouting program.
Additionally, I aim to increase collaboration between NTU and Nottingham to become a more integral part of the city. Here’s some of my offers:
- Discounted transportation for students to attend sporting events in Clifton
- Prominent athletes to speak and share their experiences and insights
- Redesign the NTU Sports App for a better user experience
- Free Ocean ticket to the MVP of the week
- Collaborations with other universities for joint training sessions to provide students with new opportunities for growth and development in their respective sports
- Talent scouting program to identify and bring new opportunities to current NTU players, as well as to find talented players to join NTU
Lara Ekwuru is also a candidate for the VP Sport role and has been contacted.
Platform Magazine did not receive a response from her in time for publication.
The candidates’ full manifestos can be read here.
For more information about when hustings and voting will take place, click here.