By Sofia Lambis, News Investigations Editor
Candidates for the 2025 SU elections have officially been announced, with five running for the role of Sport and Student Development Officer.
The Sport and Student Development Officer represents the interests of students in regards to sport, exercise and health. Their job is to manage the organisation and promotion of sports clubs, Derby Day and other fitness participation opportunities, ensuring students can access recreational sporting activities. They must liaise with the University Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, as well as with external organisations.
Working with other full-time officers, the SSD Officer works to alleviate barriers to sports participation and making sure the SU’s sporting facilities are well-maintained. They also ensure that students in leadership roles have continuous development opportunities.
In short, the Sport and Student Development Officer promotes the importance of skills development and co-curricular activities.
The incumbent Sport and Student Development Officer is Ella Lovibond, who worked this last year to set up an injury support group for students, increase the maximum application amount for the Activity Hardship Fund and organise the Bristol Girls Can week which included a B:Active Takeover and free women-only gym sessions.
Below are the five candidates running for Sport and Student Development Officer.
Ella Lovibond
Lovibond is an Engineering Design graduate and the current Sport and Student Development Officer. Her proposals include:
- Promoting inclusivity through more free women-only, LGBTQ+ and parasport sessions.
- Enhancing wellbeing and safety – Improving night time safety, combatting spiking and boosting Bystander Training.
Her aim is ‘accessible sport for all’.
Gokul Saseendra Panicker
Panicker is currently completing a Masters in Robotics. His proposals include:
- Promoting the importance of sports, physical activity, and overall well-being alongside rigorous academic schedules
- Creating an inclusive environment where students can easily participate in sports, develop healthier routines, and integrate fitness into their daily lives
- Fostering a culture of well-being
He wants to ‘ensure that every student has the opportunity to stay active, balanced and engaged'.
Haygien Carvalho
Carvalho is completing a Masters in Management. His proposals include:
- Converting ideas into completed events
- Applying his experience in sports team leadership to the role
- Utilising knowledge gained from being on the sports committee
He said that he has 'great experience and confidence to take forward this role'.
Nishes Gurung
Gurung is completing a foundation year in Science, Engineering and Mathematics. His proposals include:
- BUCS promotion, so student athletes are supported every step of the way.
- Further funding to support clubs, ensuring that students can reach their potential.
- Improved correspondence between SEH, SU and clubs, so that clubs are operated in the best way possible
His goal is ‘improved outreach for students across the university’.
Rajesh Padala
Padala is an MSc Innovation & Entrepreneurship student. His proposals include
- Promoting sustainability in sports
- Fostering community collaboration
- Empowering students
He wants to ‘empower students, build lifelong skills, and drive positive change’.
Voting opens at 9am on Monday, 10 March, when candidates begin their official campaigning, and closes at 9pm on Thursday 13 March.
To vote, and look at candidates across all officer roles, visit https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/elections
Who has your vote for Sport and Student Development Officer?
