From Sunday 31 July to Sunday 8 August, Leeds Trinity University will be hosting students from across the world for the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School 2022 to explore themes relating to Sport and regeneration: Driving sustainability, community and wellbeing.

Students will participate in skills development, social events, engaging and challenging group project work, sports sessions, networking opportunities and intercultural sessions and cultural sharing.

As a Leeds Trinity University student, I'm grateful that I have been provided with amazing opportunities throughout my three years as an undergraduate and for continuing this in the shape of the ACU Summer School.

One of the reasons I applied for the Summer School was to learn more about the interconnected topics concerning sports and regeneration. It will be an amazing opportunity for me and students from around the world to be exposed to different cultures and beliefs from all walks of life.

Especially for me as a Muslim and Pakistani student, it will be great to experience cultures and connections that I haven’t experienced in nine years since moving to the UK, and further explore connections we share as human beings from different backgrounds. I’m also looking forward to developing my skills and knowledge through various activities, events and speaker sessions.

It is an honour to be one of the 40 students accepted for the ACU Summer School. As a show of gratitude to Leeds Trinity, I want to represent the University the best that I can in front of my fellow Summer School peers. I want to help positively promote the image of the University to students coming to the UK and Leeds Trinity for the first time – to show how it goes above and beyond when it comes to inclusivity, diversity and equality for all.

Leeds Trinity’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in events such as the ACU Summer School and other events that highlight topics concerning race, equity, social justice and Black Lives Matter.

I’m looking forward to the start of this event, especially for the intercultural and culture-sharing sessions, and hope to improve my outlook on the world and help others do the same themselves.

Hamza Khizar is a Physical Education and Sports Coaching student set to graduate in 2022.