Candidate for the position of Edinburgh University Sports Union - President

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Gregor Malcolm

Previous Experience 

 

Sports Union Committee: 

2020/21 – EUSU Honorary Secretary 

2019/20 – EUSU Alumni and Partnerships Officer 

 

Club Committee: 

2018/19 – Hare and Hounds Men’s Captain 

2017/18 – Hare and Hounds Social Secretary 

 

“Sport has shaped my time at university”; the age old election time cliché, although I truly believe it to be true. Not only for my time at university but also as the person I am today. I could write a list as long as my arm of times where I have - rightly or wrongly - prioritised sport over my degree and other opportunities. I am willing to risk so much for my love of sport and the people involved in sport at Edinburgh. The last year may not have been as any of us had hoped or expected, but the continual commitment to Sport has been testament to the amazing work put in across the board by our fantastic Club Committees and members. 

 

During my five years at Edinburgh, I have had the pleasure of being fully immersed in sport throughout. Whether that is through competition or volunteering for club and Sports Union. My first taste of club involvement came through the Hare and Hounds, where I was elected as First Year Rep. This then engaged and encouraged me to take on further responsibility within my club. I spent my third year as Men’s Captain for the Hare and Hounds, a role that gave me valuable experience in how clubs function day-in day-out.    

 

Additionally, I had the privilege of being the lead student organiser of BUCS Cross Country 2020 – BUCS’ largest single day championship. This has provided me the necessary experience for running future events as President such as; the Sports Fair, Edinburgh Varsity and several other large sporting events of the year (fingers crossed). Plus, it gave me experience working and collaborating with outside professional organisations including; BUCS, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Athletics. 

 

I have spent my second year on the Sports Union Executive committee in the role of Honorary Secretary - having previously been Alumni and Partnerships Officer. As Honorary Secretary, I have had the privilege of sitting on almost every Sports Union committee; including Finance, Blues and Colours, and Awards. This has given me vital insights into the workings of Sports Union and an understanding of the background decision making process – something I believe is crucial to being a successful President. I have also been involved in initial discussions surrounding the sustainability of EUSU going forward. This is something that I believe should be a focus, of not only the Sports Union, but the entire student body.  

 

The strongest foundations are built on experience, knowledge and commitment. Three traits I have demonstrated and proved time and time again throughout my five years at University. Topped with my undoubtable drive for success within my own sport – I believe I have what it takes to take sport at Edinburgh to the next level. As we (hopefully) emerge from a year of putting things on hold, together we can aim for success. 

 

 

Healing 

  • Support clubs fully with their “return to play” guidance. 

  • Continuation of the highly successful COVID-19 hardship fund. 

  • Highlight what clubs require to thrive post-pandemic on an individual basis, not a one-size fits all model. 

 

Opportunity 

  • Introduce CPR courses for all club committees and captains. Fight for every heartbeat. 

  • Increase in skill based learning/development opportunities for club members, committees and coaches. 

  • Ensure, through work with the VP Intramural, that the record breaking Intramural sign ups from this year are continued into 2021/22. Allowing as many people to participate in recreational sport as possible. 

 

Inclusivity 

  • Increase the offering of disability sport and carry out a full accessibility survey for activity of all clubs 

  • Continuation of the fantastic work achieved by the Inclusion Committee this year, create a plan for longer term participation increase. Including the distribution of a university wide participation survey, to address the barriers that stop students getting involved in sport at Edinburgh. 

  • Aim to have a Welfare Officer in every Sports Union club. 

 

Sustainability 

  • Introduction of a Sustainability Committee, to give the clubs a voice on the most pressing of climate matters and how to improve these. 

  • Create a EUSU wide sustainability plan; ranging from club travel and activity to office protocol and everything in-between. 

  • Promotion of sustainable travel between University campuses and sports facilities.  Explore possibilities for safe cycling across the university and city as a whole. 

 

Transparency 

  • Continue to engage clubs in wider EUSU strategic discussions and the annual planning submission.  

  • Streamline the flow of important information to club members from staff, the Sports Union Executive Committee, and Club Committees. Making sure members are aware of important decisions and events that concern their club and Sports Union. 

  • Work with the SU executive committee to promote their input within the SU and ensure their expertise is utilised by clubs to the full potential.