Elections 2008

Fri 22nd Aug 2008

Candidates / Sports / Simon "Darby" Leach

On this page...

Video: my one minute speech
My manifesto
Favourite quote
Candidate questions and answers
Word associations
Most-admired person

My one-minute candidate video

My manifesto

Re-elect Simon 'Darby' leach, the current Sports Officer.

Why vote for Darby?

Quite simply I love sport and our Athletic Union (AU); I have been involved in it now for over 4 years and this year under my guidance we have improved greatly. This year was about setting the foundations for future success and to bring us in line with other institutions, something I believe I have achieved. Portsmouth Sport has huge potential which is why I want to continue, I want to build on current projects and ensure that we have a clear direction for the Athletic Union.

Achievements this year;

Created a partnership with the Sport and Recreation department in the running of the intra mural programme which has increased participation.
Developed links with the Sports science department to develop clubs
Introduced pre season week to benefit performance the clubs
Enhanced the image of Athletic Union sport within key stakeholders
Raised the profile of Sport
Represented students on a national level by being chair for the student 2012 Olympic action group.
Developed a well structured Athletic Union executive committee
Encouraged and funded talented individuals to compete at a higher level, i.e. English University squads.

Work ongoing;

Developing an AU strategy
Branding the AU
Developing a functional and well used AU website.

Aims for next year;

Continue to raise the profile of the Athletic Union and ensure the branding of sport is successful to attract new members and further investment.
Increase participation by developing and introducing more sports to the intra mural programme and using the branding to increase AU club membership. Taster sessions will also be introduced.
Enhance links with external partners by recruiting more Sport Science support and expertise within the Sport and recreation department. I also want to form links with local sports clubs to benefit our student clubs as well as gaining access to Navy facilities.
Improve club performance by investing in coaching and ensuring club development plans are adhered to whilst using Sport Science expertise.

I have a good reputation amongst the Athletic Union because they have seen positive change; I want to make Sport at Portsmouth the biggest it can be, and trust me it can be huge!

RE-ELECT DARBY for Sports, Vote Darby! xxx

Favourite quote

“Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way nothing else can... Sport can create hope... it is an instrument for peace.” - Nelson Mandela

Candidate questions and answers

1 What do you envisage the role of sports officer to be?

The role of the sports officer is to represent the sporting needs of students; their main role is to oversee the running of the Athletic Union and to shape its direction with the interest of the clubs at heart.

2 The most important part of this role is to manage the sports budget, how would you decide how to divide the money and ensure that it's done fairly?

Quite simply it's a matter of need and not want; as long as you are fair and equitable then everyone is happy. Some clubs need more than others- that's just the way it is. The aim is to ensure everyone gets a fair amount for their club to function.

3 Our AU is one of the best in the UK when it comes to participation and commitment. How would you continue to improve this?

Raising the profile of the AU is paramount to increasing participation, association by success is a concept I find to be true, promotion of how good we are equals more members. Taster sessions to increase interest levels should also be introduced.

4 To be a great sports officer you need to be...

Fair, passionate, straight talking, confident, supportive, open to change, positive, dedicated, thick skinned, democratic, bloody crazy, out-going, a peoples' person, good at networking, an opportunist, forward thinking, isn't afraid of change and not afraid of a few grey hairs

5 Which club most resembles you and why?

It would have to be boxing because I am dedicated, strong (strong minded that is), passionate, have good chat and people know where they stand with me, because of that good relationships are built... or cheerleading because I can also be pink and fluffy.

6 What experience do you have that might suit you to this role?

For starters I am the only person standing that has done this job and know what it entails! Also, previous roles such as hockey president have given me the understanding of what the AU is and what it means to Sportos. I am one of you!