The University of Westminster Students’ Union Elite Athlete Programme has been generously funded by Santander, supporting elite athletes to encourage them to further their ambitions.
The Elite Athlete Programme provides students, who excel in sport, competing at regional, national or international level, with the support and resources to help make them the best athletes they can be.
The programme works to support students’ digital presence to help them promote themselves as a sportsperson, and provides workshops on nutritional support, sports psychology sessions and mental skills workshops throughout the year. The team work closely with each student to ensure they are gaining press coverage on their sporting achievements, and receive financial support for competitions and games.
From an extensive list of applicants, the UWSU team have carefully selected four athletes for this year’s programme. The chosen Elite Athletes will use the funding generously provided by Santander to support their athletic career, through upgrading necessary equipment, supporting extra training or providing support to the athlete’s chosen field. The four key athletes who will be part of this year’s Elite Athlete Programme are Michal Otoso, Aundre Reid Jr, Aya Hijazi and Dena Bagherian.
Michael Otoo – Basketball
Currently studying on the Psychology MSc programme at Westminster, Michael is originally from Canada and grew up playing basketball. His passion for basketball since a young age led him to play at university level in Canada and now in the UK. Alongside playing on the University Dragons team, Michael also plays for the Brent Bulls, a National Basketball League (NBL) team.
Michael was involved in a motor vehicle pedestrian accident in 2016 where he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for five days, changing his life forever. He said: “I lost basketball for two years, and was told I would never play again. This taught me not to take the game I love for granted, and I am now extremely motivated to keep pushing myself to be the best I can be, on and off the court.”
Talking about the funding from Santander, he added: “I am grateful for the opportunity to receive this funding, as it will give me the stability needed to focus on school, basketball and starting to build my future.”
Dena Bagherian – Rowing
Dena is currently studying on the Finance and Business Management BA Honours course at the University of Westminster. She hopes to pursue a career in finance after graduation. Outside of academia, Dena is a national rowing competitor, which she began four years ago and noticed a significant improvement in her health and physical strength.
Rowing is a physically demanding sport that requires long-term focus, and to retain her strength for the sport, Dena works out six days for a minimum of 12 hours per week, which includes morning and evening training sessions each day. Her long-term ambition is to compete in international regattas like Henley Royal Regatta.
Talking about how the funding has impacted her, Dena added: “The incredible Elite Athlete Programme has allowed me to complete my rowing training requirements and provided me with financial aid to meet the expenditures involved with the sport, including kits, race fees and equipment as rowing can be a pricey sport.”
Aundre Reid Jr – Basketball
Aundre Reid Jr is 25 years old and is currently studying on the Business Management BA Honours course at the University of Westminster. He is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and played basketball in the USA before moving to England. Following his graduation from his undergraduate degree, Aundre plans to play basketball professionally. He also plays for London Westside when he is not playing for the Westminster Dragons team.
Aundre said: “The money has helped me tremendously with my travelling costs, as I am going from practices and games basically every day.”
Aya Hijazi – Boxing
Aya Hijazi is a second year Law LLM student and have been training in boxing for five years. Aya trains five to six times per week and represents the Westminster Dragons and the All Stars Boxing Gym in London.
Commenting on the Elite Athlete Programme funding, she added: “The impact the Elite Athlete Programme has made has been a very positive one both physically and mentally. It has allowed me to gain access to important parts of training which would have been inaccessible otherwise. Thanks to the funding, I feel that my development as an athlete/boxer is improving.”
Talking about the programme, Simay Sali-Sevik from the Development Team at Westminster, said: “After the success of the 1st Elite Athlete Programme last year, we are pleased to award our new elite athletes for the second year. Santander’s funds not only financially support students in these challenging times but also give them the confidence to fulfil their dreams. Knowing that a company like Santander has recognised their success and chosen to support them in their athletic career can spur them to achieve their best and inspire other students.”
If you are interested in becoming a corporate supporter and making a real difference to society, the University would love to hear from you. Get in touch via [email protected].
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