‘Huge surprise’ for Exeter University BC president as she’s nominated for Filippi Spirit Award
Seun Olusanya is nominated for the Filippi Spirit Award for her part in raising money for Medecins Sans Frontieres and their work in Haiti
Seun Olusanya, president of Exeter University BC
Exeter University BC president Seun Olusanya admits it was a huge surprise to be nominated for World Rowing’s Filippi Spirit Award.
The fifth-year medical student was nominated for her efforts in raising funds for various charities, including, last year, for Medecins Sans Frontieres and the work they were doing in the aftermath of the hurricane in Haiti in 2016.
Seun and other members of the boat club organised sponsored ergs, bake sales, a raffle and a pub quiz to drum up support for the cause.
“The nomination was a huge surprise and I’m very flattered to have made the final,” she said.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of other rowers and dedicated members of EUBC’s committee. Overall the experience fostered collaboration amongst the rowers and in the wider student community.”
Seun is a former captain of the women’s squad at EUBC, moving on to vice-president in 2016/17 and was elected president for the current academic year.
She is up against Rain de Jager (South Africa), Vladimir Gluhovic (Serbia), Mzwandile Sotsaka (South Africa) and Micheen Thornycroft (Zimbabwe) in the shortlist. The winner receives a custom built Filippi eight racing shell, helping their club develop more young rowers in the future.
