#ysjactive

Sport has always played a massive role in my life, so when I went to university it was an obvious choice to gravitate towards as a fresher (it was my comfort zone). During my first week at uni I was introduced to an organisation called YSJActive who aim to provide inclusive sport for all. Regardless of age, disability, or the level of sport. The idea of using sport as a tool to better someone’s health and their sense of belonging in a community was why I got involved. 

From first year I became the co-ordinator of multi-sports, a group open to the public for ages 12 years and above to come and take part in different sports every week. From this opportunity I then began to get involved in after-care stroke sessions also ran by YSJActive, as well as running health circuit classes for people suffering from addictions which I would never have seen myself doing as a fresher.

I am very aware that these volunteer opportunities are different from student based societies. They were not platforms to easily share the Gospel or my Christian faith, but they were opportunities to represent Christianity in a serving way. I always knew I loved sport, it was a passion God had placed in my heart from a very young age, so being able to use that when on campus and see it make a difference in the community was amazing. I wasn’t openly able to speak about the Gospel or my Faith, but it was an opportunity to show people Jesus through my actions.