The Sheffield College students play their part in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games

Sheffield College (@sheffcol) students and staff have played their part in supporting the #Tokyo2020 Paralympic Games.

Media, journalism and photography students and staff live streamed an official selection draw from the College’s Hillsborough Campus television studio.

Organised by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF), the draw took place to decide which countries would compete against one another in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby.

Students and staff provided technical support to enable the event to be live streamed via the IWRF YouTube’s channels to officials in Japan and Australia so that the draw could be internationally verified.

Dan Bell, Head of Academy, Media and Photography, The Sheffield College, said: “It’s great to provide our students with real life industry experience to help them develop their skills and go further in their careers. It was a privilege for us to play our part in supporting this global sporting event.”

Student India-Rose Davies, 19, who is completing a Foundation Degree in Media Production, said: “It was very exciting to take place in the official draw. I was involved as a camera person filming the draw. My college course is very exciting and helping me with my future career prospects as an editor in the media industry.”

John Timms, Director of MLS Contracts Limited, a member of the IWRF Competitions Committee and a College governor, who led the draw, said: “I’m really pleased that we were able to enable the College students to be involved in a live event.  I know they will have gained a lot from the experience and for the IWRF it has enabled the draw to be seen live, which is really appreciated.”

Richard Allcroft, President, International Wheelchair Rugby Federation, added: “Thanks to The Sheffield College and its students who, at short notice, enabled the filming of the draw to take place and put in place Covid safety protocols. I hope the students enjoyed the experience and wish our teams the very best in their preparations for Tokyo 2020.”

The draw took place on April 28th, 2021. The College’s Hillsborough Campus, on Livesey Street, has industry standard creative media facilities including television, photography and music studios.