Commonwealth Day 2022

Monday 14 March 2022

Join us for a range of fun, free activities on Monday 14 March 2022 to mark Commonwealth Day as we countdown to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

FIT FOCUS FORUM

Promoting diversity and inclusion in sport

We are delighted to welcome two guest speakers to Fit Focus Forum.

Lou Englefield, Co-Founder of Pride House Birmingham and Director of Pride Sports

Michael Gunning, Professional Swimmer for Team Jamaica

Michael Gunning is a two-time World Championship swimmer, and is the current National Record Holder in the 200M Butterfly and the 200M and 400M Freestyle. Michael is an Official Pride House Ambassador for the Commonwealth Games this year in Birmingham.

As one of the very few mixed-race swimmers in a traditionally white dominated sport, Michael breaks the stereotypes for black athletes around the world, and in 2018 became the Caribbean’s first openly gay athlete in professional sport. Since then, his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights is paramount in his pundit and avid speaking, and drives positive change for equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.

5.15 – 6.30pm

Sport & Fitness Meeting Rooms, First Floor

Spaces are limited so please register in advance.

JUNIOR SPORT SESSIONS

Join our mascot, Rory the Lion for a series of fun, free sport sessions.

Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness

4 – 4.20pm – Play badminton with Rory the Lion

4.45 – 5.05pm – Play unihoc / floorball with Rory the Lion

5.15 – 5.30pm – Play basketball with Rory the Lion

All under-16s are welcome, but under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. All sports equipment will be provided.

No advance registration required, simply turn up to Munrow Arena 1 in Sport & Fitness and get involved.

Have-A-Go Sport Sessions for Commonwealth Day

For members and non-members of Sport & Fitness aged 18+.

Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness

7 – 8pm

Have-a-go at any of these Commonwealth Games sports

Badminton – Fully booked

3 x 3 Basketball

Table Tennis

All equipment will be provided.

RAINBOW NETWORK LUNCH BREAK

Join us to discover more about two-time World Championship swimmer, Michael Gunning’s experience of being a mixed-race LGBTQ+ athlete.

For University of Birmingham staff & students

Monday 14 March, 1 – 1.30pm on Zoom

University of Birmingham staff and students are invited to take a virtual lunchbreak from 1 – 1.30pm on Commonwealth Day, this Monday 14 March, to hear from Michael Gunning, the Caribbean’s first openly gay athlete in professional sport. Michael will share his experience of being one of the very few mixed-race swimmers in a traditionally white-dominated sport, as well as his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Viewers are welcome to ask Michael questions about his experience during the session.

GAME-CHANGING ATHLETES

Meet some of the University’s current students and alumni who are performing at the top of their game.