Roses 2017 - raising awareness of mental health

Posted on 27 April 2017

Roses 2017 – the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe between York and Lancaster – will take place at the University of York this weekend.

This year, Roses is partnering with charity York Mind – creating awareness of mental health issues and the positive impact that taking part in sport can have on mental health.

It is hoped fundraising activities across the weekend will help raise £2,500 for the charity.

The tournament is organised by the University of York Students’ Union and launches at 6.00pm on Friday 28 May with a spectacular light show around the University lake, and an outdoor stage hosting live music and performances from student societies.

Open to all members of the public, the family-friendly event also includes funfair stalls, food vendors, an outdoor bar and a live screening of the first sporting fixture – the Friday Night Basketball Showdown.

The basketball fixture, hosted at the University’s recently opened York Sport Arena, kicks off the three day sporting battle consisting of over 130 fixtures of 50 different sports.

Isaac Beevor, York Sport Union President, said: “Roses is our biggest sporting stage! We have used this as a platform to raise awareness around mental health and to raise money for York and Lancashire Mind. We want to send out a powerful message and engage in the public conversation to help tackle the continued stigma around mental health.”

Now in its 53rd year, Roses is based on the ancient rivalry between York and Lancaster, with hundreds of athletes from the Universities competing to lay claim to the James Carter trophy.

From rugby, cricket and football, to quirkier sports such as octopush and e-sports, all are welcome on campus to watch students compete.

For a full programme of sports fixtures visit: https://roseslive.co.uk/