Choose your Leeds JLD Committee for 2026
SPORTS OFFICER:
FAHAD AL SAHEAL

During my Master’s studies at the School of Law, University of Leeds, I served on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where I contributed to promoting wellbeing and community engagement. One of my key responsibilities was coordinating with yoga instructors to provide wellbeing classes for staff and students. This role strengthened my ability to analyse student needs and design inclusive activities that encouraged participation across diverse groups.

 

As part of the committee, I attended regular meetings and contributed to the development of our strategic plan. I proposed an initiative encouraging students from different nationalities to celebrate their cultural identity by wearing traditional clothing and giving short presentations about their heritage. The proposal was unanimously approved and attracted over 120 participants, greatly enhancing our sense of community.

 

Before returning to the UK, I gained extensive event management experience in Saudi Arabia through Kyokushin Karate. As one of the first in the country to achieve a Second Dan Black Belt and qualify as a referee, I organised national tournaments for up to 200 competitors. I created match schedules, enforced safety standards, coordinated travel and accommodation, managed registration fees, and oversaw budgets of £3,000–£5,000, all without a single deficit.

 

My event coordination experience extends beyond martial arts. I have organised camping trips, football tournaments, museum visits, and bowling events for groups of 20–50 people. These activities required careful budget management, supplier negotiation, and contingency planning to address unexpected challenges. For instance, during one camping trip, I arranged backup transport to ensure smooth logistics in case of vehicle issues on sandy terrain.

 

In addition, I coordinated professional development sessions for a group of lawyers, inviting senior legal professionals and judges to deliver lectures on current legal topics. This required strong organisational and negotiation skills to coordinate venues and catering suppliers, ensuring smooth logistics and high participant engagement.

 

If appointed as Sports Officer, I will draw on this experience to plan and deliver health, wellbeing, and sports activities — including the Charity Mixed Netball Tournament. My background in organising competitive sports events, combined with the discipline and focus I have developed through martial arts, will enable me to deliver events that are well-structured, inclusive, and enjoyable for all participants.

 

I also intend to develop a holistic wellbeing programme that integrates fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. For example, I plan to collaborate with specialists to run sessions on breathing techniques, stress management, and nutrition, alongside recreational activities such as yoga and team sports. I will research local opportunities across Leeds, liaise with providers to secure the most suitable and cost-effective arrangements, and ensure the smooth delivery of all activities — including those scheduled during my absence from Leeds between February and April, for which I will make full arrangements in advance.

 

I am confident that my experience, organisational skills, and genuine enthusiasm for promoting wellbeing through sport make me well-suited to this role. I would be honoured to serve as Sports Officer and to deliver events that members look forward to throughout the year.