We are thrilled that Wheelchair Tennis Player, Sports Broadcaster & ICU World Champion (ParaCheer Division), Gemma Stevenson, has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
Gemma is a wheelchair tennis player and sports journalist, whose work focuses predominantly on parasport; in particular the wheelchair tennis tour. She has also represented the country in ParaCheer; winning gold and being crowned a World Champion at the 2019 ICU World Championships as part of Team England.
Her passion for sport started at a young age where she regularly competed at local level in dance, swimming, hockey, netball and tennis. She attended the University of Leeds where she completed her BA in Theatre and Performance and then went on to pursue a professional performing career.
However, after being involved in a car accident, a traumatic brain injury and diagnoses of dystonia led to her becoming a full-time wheelchair user and Gemma decided to make the switch from musical theatre to sports presenter. She returned to higher education and passed her MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University.
“As a student who accessed Student Services myself, I know from personal experience that many young adults can struggle with their mental health while away at University. Working as a journalist and talking to athletes, I am also acutely aware of the pressures and mental health challenges faced by them and sports personalities; particularly with the current COVID-19 restrictions that are affecting training and competition.
The BRIT 2021 Challenge is an inclusive event with many ways to take part so that students and staff of all abilities can participate. It’s a great way to improve mental health and fitness on campus or at home and feel connected to fellow students and your university or college team.
I encourage Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities to join our BRIT Ambassador family, choose a university or college, and champion The BRIT Challenge. Together we can encourage and inspire students throughout the UK to participate in BRIT’s annual challenges.
I am delighted to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family and look forward to encouraging students and staff at The University of Leeds and St. Mary’s University to embrace the BRIT 2021 Challenge and enter teams.”
Gemma Stevenson
Wheelchair Tennis Player, Sports Broadcaster and
ICU World Champion (ParaCheer Division)
Anyone interested in knowing more about disability tennis can find out more on the Lawn Tennis Association website.
Comments