Celebrating Sporting Achievement: Recognition for our clubs and members at the BUCS Awards!
The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) awards taking place later this month recognise the exceptional contributions to sport by students across the United Kingdom across the 2023/24 season. We’re honoured and awed to announce that two KCLSU members and one KCLSU club have been shortlisted for the 13 overall awards. This builds on previous success at the BUCS Football and Futsal Awards!
Mohammed Salim Ibrahim (Vice-President and Captain KCL Karate): Sportsman of the Year (shortlisted)
Mohammed returned a staggering 42 medals in Karate and Taekwondo across his student sporting career despite only returning to competing recently after a seven-year break. Mohammed had also never competed or studied the art of Taekwondo before 2022! However, he has quickly shot to the top of UK student sport, which includes returning 18 medals at BUCS competitions, 12 of which were Gold.
Beyond his capabilities in representing KCLSU and King’s at BUCS, which is the highest level for student sports competitions in the UK, he secured a spot to represent King’s in the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Karate Championships. EUSA is the next level up for student athletes, with Mohammed taking his sporting career to the European stage!
On top of his outstanding talent, Mohammed has demonstrated his commitment to his student community by volunteering as Vice-President and Captain of Karate.
The dedication and perseverance needed to achieve something like this is outstanding. Mohammed said:
“It was a constant battle and struggle for me to focus and dedicate my time efficiently towards my PhD and the sport(s) I compete in. However, the difficulty of doing this is one of the reasons why I wanted to do this in the first place as I enjoy both realms. It means that I have been training with like-minded, determined athletes willing to improve in the sport they participate in, which has been demonstrated in the competitions I have attended this academic year.”
KCL Tennis Club and Jonathon Dawes (President KCL Tennis): Club of the Year and Chris Potter Student Volunteer of the Year (shortlisted)
The growth of KCL Tennis under Jonathon’s watchful eye has been astonishing and impressive to witness. As with Mohammed, Jonathon’s and KCL Tennis’ achievements would be too long to list here. What I will commend is sustained membership growth, a dedication to diversity and inclusivity, and a strategy for fundraising, outreach and partnership.
Julie Wych, Lawn Tennis Association Councilor and King’s College London Alumni and Lecturer (1992-2003, BSc, PhD) has eloquently summarised Jonathan’s achievements:
“It is a challenge to express how Jonathon's leadership and inclusivity have made a significant impact at KCL, the significance of which should not be underestimated. Inclusive by design, but also in practice, he has refreshed the BeActive tennis programme, led events on Disability, LGBTQ+ and International Women’s History Months, as well as advocating for student personal development and founding the A.C.E. Leadership Academy. Not only has he driven new initiatives and partnerships with Wilson and The Queen’s Club Foundation, benefiting many players, he leaves a legacy of inclusive leadership, inspiring those who will pick up the baton for King’s Sport, KCLSU and Tennis.”
You’d think that having access to no tennis courts of our own at King’s would hinder the club in the competitive arena of student sport... Well, think again. This year, KCL Tennis has grown its membership by 64%, raised £17, 500, founded two new teams, sold out its Varsity fixture, represented King’s at the National Tennis Centre, founded a staff tennis session with King’s Sport as well as a LGBTQ+ tennis group, mentored 32 students and held Liberation History Month events with remarkable speakers. All amazing achievements in their own right!
On a personal level, I am very thankful to David Nana and Jonathon Dawes for not only being so supportive and always lending an ear, but for their drive and dedication to their community. The entire committee of KCL Tennis has done an exceptional job this year.
Eleanor Todd, GKT Women’s Football Club (President): Enhancing Student Experience Award, BUCS Football and Futsal Awards (winner!)
The amazing BUCS shortlisting news builds on the success of GKT Women’s Football President Eleanor Todd who received the Enhancing Student Experience Award at the BUCS Football and Futsal Awards earlier this year.
This win recognises Eleanor’s work championing accessibility to Women’s Football regardless of experience or skill level, creating a welcoming environment to meet new people and keep fit! Collaborating with the King’s Sport and Wellness BeActive program led to setting up a recreational team outside of league systems, enabling prospective players the chance to transition from give-it-a-go sessions to taking the first steps into a competitive setting. This was paired with an initiative to build up stores of personal equipment such as boots and shin pads to be used by recreational players, helping to promote accessibility into the sport.
GKT Women’s Football is also known for hosting regular fun socials as well as outreach, fundraising and charity work outside of its busy training and competitive calendar! Well done to them; they’ve absolutely smashed it this year. Check out their socials to follow along with their journey.