Saadia makes the sporting shortlist

Gower College Swansea student Saadia Abubaker has been revealed as a runner up in the prestigious AoC Sports Awards 2019

Not only is Saadia studying four A Levels at the Gorseinon Campus, she is also – on her own initiative –  working hard to break down cultural barriers in sport and to encourage more participation from young people from ethnic minorities.

“Saadia noticed that very few of her fellow competitors were from ethnic minority backgrounds and so she took it upon herself to encourage and motivate these young people to start playing sport,” says lecturer Marc O’Kelly. “She achieved this by making and posting videos on social media of her in training and in competition, which could be viewed and shared by others, in time becoming an encouraging and inspiring presence on the local sport scene.”

A Gold ambassador for the City and County of Swansea’s Sports Development initiative, Saadia spends her spare time volunteering and supporting various sporting activities within the city. She also competes in swimming events such as the Swim Wales Open Championships and athletics, being a member of the Swansea Harriers).

When she joined Gower College Swansea, Saadia volunteered to join the Student Council because she wanted to get involved in supporting college sport. Under her own initiative and supported by the Sports department, Saadia has independently organised a non-competitive sports club aimed at encouraging girls from ethnic minorities and other backgrounds who might be interested in sport but who lack confidence.

“Saadia has recruited, led and communicated really positively with the participants,” adds Marc. “It’s excellent to see a student so motivated to get involved and passionate about increasing activity within the College and local community. We are delighted to be the only Welsh college on the shortlist of winners and runners-up and this recognition for Saadia is truly well deserved.”