Ella Raper
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Lightning Wheelchair Basketball Media Marketing and Communications Officer, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Student’s Wheelchair Basketball Media Officer
Ella is a Sport and Exercise Science student now entering her 3rd year at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. Throughout her time at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ she has been vital to the Wheelchair Basketball team through her role as their Media, Marketing and Communications Officer.
Tell us a bit about yourself (what you do now, current job, career pathway, interests, background etc.)
When I was a child I did ballet and many other forms of dance, I also skied and loved gymnastics. At school I did any sport on offer to me and took every opportunity to get involved. i have always loved sports, when on holiday with my family my dad would give me an old camera and I loved to take pictures. As a teenager I asked for my own camera for my birthday. I started an Instagram account to document my photography and my interest in media grew from there.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ?
In a lecture in my first term at loughborough there was an advert for the lightning social media roles, several were up for application, netball, cycling and wheelchair basketball. I had recently started playing wheelchair basketball in the mylifestyle program and thought that it would be interesting to try some sports photography, to combine two of my favourite things, so I applied for the Lightning wheelchair basketball role.
During your time at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, what volunteering roles did you get involved with?
Through my role with Lightning wheelchair basketball I have built a relationship with the media department at British Wheelchair Basketball. I have done some volunteering with them where I worked with both the men’s and women’s team GB to do behind the scenes photography at their media days in the lead up to the world championships and did some on court training shoots for use on their social media pages.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ?
I have absolutely loved volunteering with Lightning Wheelchair basketball I have made fantastic working relationships and fantastic friendships with both staff and athletes.
How has being involved with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
I have gained so much experience with not only photography, but I have developed skills in graphic design, asset management, videography and how to be professional around world class athletes.
What’s the best advice you could give to a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
The CVA is the best way to get experience you can’t get anywhere else there are such a variety of roles on offer there is something for everyone.
Finally, what did you enjoy most about volunteering?
No two days volunteering is the same, some can be stressful others beyond exciting but you will always have an interesting day!
Feeling Inspired?
Feeling inspired by Ella's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like her's.