RIASA students celebrate Thanksgiving with positive psychology
Author: Richmond American University London
The Richmond International Academic and Sporting Academy (RIASA) team recently visited the home of Leeds United in Elland Road to present the funds raised in RIASA’s Sports Events Planning and Promotion class this year, to Leeds United Foundation, the official charity for Leeds United Football Club.
RIASA has worked with the Foundation over the past few years, giving students the opportunity to put international sports management theory into practice, whilst engaging with the community and sports industry professionals.
Dr Samantha Bracey, Associate Professor of Sports Management at RIASA said, “Through planning and hosting fundraising events, volunteering and gaining understanding through hosting guest speakers from the Foundation, students have learnt first-hand how important football is in Leeds and how the power of football is used for good. One example is the corner flag cafe, which is held every month at the stadium, providing a place for people living with dementia and their friends and relatives to meet, share experiences and reminisce.
“We were lucky enough to be invited to join the members of the corner flag café as part of our visit. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to spend time with some of Leeds more mature residents.”
“This also helped us to put into practice some of the positive psychology theories we have been learning about in our Psychology of Happiness and Well-being class. In this class students complete a learning journal by carrying out positive psychology interventions, the last being a random act of kindness which can be as small as giving a compliment or having a chat with someone, which fits very well with the experience of joining the corner flag cafe and talking to the members, sharing stories, a love of football and Leeds! Seeing the smiles on the faces of the people in the corner flag cafe; members and students alike, is testament to the power of human kindness! The visit certainly had a positive impact on everyone and will give students a lot to reflect on in their learning journals and was a great way for us to celebrate Thanksgiving!”
