Meet the game changers

Simran Kaur, Para-Athletics (Chemistry MSci, 2nd year)

When I was a baby, doctors found a lump on my arm which developed into cancer, I had my arm amputated at four-years-old. Obviously, it’s a big thing to happen but my disability hasn’t ever held me back!

I played football for 10 years then picked up athletics in secondary school. I tore my ACL which stopped my football career, so I transitioned into athletics. In my first year competing, I made it into the GB Junior World Championship team and managed to medal in the 100 and 200 metres.

At Nottingham, I’m studying alongside training. Having support from the coaches, lifestyle advisors and the scholarship team is amazing. I’m hoping to make a para-Olympic team in the future. Whether it is Paris or Los Angeles – that’s something I aim for.

In my academics, I want to focus on sustainable chemistry. I’d like to say thank you to the donors of my scholarship for enabling me to continue training for my sport at the highest possible level. My scholarship is the reason I can compete and work towards my future goals.

Owen Say, Para-Swimmer (Archaeology and Geography, 3rd year)

As a para-swimming scholar, I have a lot of access to the facilities at David Ross. Whether that’s training with the swim team, strength and conditioning sessions or drop-in sessions I’ve had individually tailored to me.

The British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions have been my highlights - both were very successful with two silvers and a gold in 2021, then two golds and a silver in 2022 and more on the way, hopefully! It’s always good to see my training pay off as well as the great team atmosphere.

I think it is vital to get representation in sport out there. It shows the public who may be new to the world of para-sport that an impairment doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out for the count. Some of the best para-swimmers are faster than some able-bodied swimmers and, while that comes with time and dedication, it shows that most people with a disability can apply themselves to a sport, whether that’s at a social or a competitive level.

Right now, my focus is on academics, I’m wrapping up my third and final year soon and hoping to do a postgraduate degree at Nottingham, giving me one more year with the team and more opportunities to compete for the university. I’ll continue training and, fingers crossed, I’m hoping to start competing more at an international level. In the future, I would like to go on to coach swimming using the skills I’ve learned while being mentored at the university.

The funding my scholarship has provided has not gone unnoticed; it is a huge privilege to be in the position I’m in. The donors have helped to fund the facilities, equipment and staff needed to help me reach this position. I will continue to make full use of it, so thank you very much.

Alice Heap, Cricket Ladies’ President (Politics and International Relations, 3rd year)

The support from donors has been amazing in terms of allowing us to continue prioritising inclusivity and accessibility within our club. Alumni donations have allowed us to buy new bats and other expensive equipment, meaning that anyone can take part without having to pay a huge fee for personal equipment or worry about storage.

Historically, cricket is an elitist sport, requiring a multitude of equipment and only provided in a handful of schools. We don’t hold trials, meaning everyone is part of the same club and trains together. Last year, UNLCC had their best season ever finishing as the BUCS Midlands Tier 1 champions and beating Loughborough.

Our aim is to create a space where women can get active, meet people and have fun. Hopefully providing an opportunity for women who have never played to give cricket a go.

Alan Budge (Industrial Economics, 1974)

"I give to Sport at the University of Nottingham because it helps in contributing fitness, skills, and personal development for students; together with extending friendships and networks that last a lifetime. I would encourage others to donate, help sustain and build on what exists today; to give a little bit back and help those who may otherwise struggle in realising their full potential during time at Nottingham."