Project 4.4: UoM Sport teams up with UoM's African and Caribbean Medical Society to raise awareness for hypertension

UoM Sport have collaborated with UoM African and Caribbean Medical Society (ACMS), Black Girl Space (BGS), and UoM African Caribbean Society (ACS) to create Project 4.4. This project raises awareness for health conditions that disproportionately affect Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups and seeks to tackle these conditions through promoting exercise. ACMS have taken the lead on the health initiative behind the project, while the project aims to increase Black student participation in sport at UoM overall – they have organised a 1V1 basketball tournament and two Run Wild sessions.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, happens when the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessels is too high. It is a common disease but can lead to serious problems including strokes or heart attacks. High blood pressure usually doesn't have any symptoms – hence the name 'silent killer' – meaning that people have to be extremely aware of their predisposition to hypertension.

Ethnicity is one of the factors that can indicate a higher risk of developing hypertension. The Black African, Black Caribbean, and South East Asian communities are especially at risk. This is why Project 4.4 is important in raising awareness for the condition and helping to prevent the disease through promoting exercise.

I spoke to ACMS Vice President Carl Kulimushi about hypertension.  He said: "50% of Black Britons are unaware they have hypertension. We need to educate and encourage people to monitor their blood pressure regularly, adopt healthier lifestyles, and seek early intervention to prevent serious complications."

Carl stressed that "Project 4.4 does not stop at hypertension. Other illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease are closely linked to fitness and can also be managed or prevented with regular exercise." Speaking on behalf of the whole society, he went on to say that "we are committed to addressing these conditions and advocating for the health and well-being of our community."

Credit: Carl Kulimushi @ ACMS

Project 4.4

Project 4.4 came about after UoM found that Black students make up only 4.4% of the university population. Carl shared that "Black students are underrepresented in sports, so this initiative launched during Black History Month is not only about getting students more involved in physical activity but also about raising awareness for how exercise can combat health risks." Carl also shared: "Our collaboration is aimed at addressing the issue of these health conditions and increasing the representation of Black students in sports." Project 4.4 pushes for more diversity in university sports, giving opportunities for Black students to get involved at university whilst also trying to combat the diseases that affect the community most.

Both events offer an extremely fun chance to participate in sports at university, creating a competitive yet social environment.  The 1v1 competition raised money for GUA Africa, with 70% of the ticket cost going towards the charity which provides "educational programmes for those affected by conflict and persecution in East Africa". The two running events are in partnership with RunWild, suitable for all abilities no matter what your experience with running is. The first run, led by Black Girl Space, is for any self-identifying women or anyone identifying as non-binary. The second run is available to members of ACMS, ACS, and BGS.

I also spoke to Temi, the President of Black Girl Space about the project. She said "we wanted to host something that was fun and lighthearted whilst still raising awareness. We are happy to be able to bring together our community under the wider Project 4.4 sports campaign to increase participation of Black students within UoM Sport." Temi also shared that "being in a predominantly White institution it can feel daunting to enter sports spaces as the only Black person, so we wanted to create a space for Black students to feel more confident. What better way than a friendly run?"

Black Girl Space Society
Credit: @mcr.bgs

The societies have created fun and inclusive environments for people of all abilities to get involved in sport while simultaneously raising money for charity and increasing awareness of the diseases that hugely impact the Black African and Black Caribbean communities. Carl also said that "our collaboration with these Black-led groups hopes to be a catalyst for more engagement between Black students and the university, beyond just sports. We’re aiming to build a bridge that improves representation across different areas of university life."

Keep an eye out for more events across the year from UoM Sport, ACMS, ACS, and BGS and get involved!