Sports Journalism student scores another award win

The students, who represent the main providers of journalism training in the Solent region, were nominated for the awards by their respective tutors for exceptional efforts in what were sometimes challenging circumstances.

Will Cope, Associate Head of the Department of Film and Media at Solent University, says: “Over the course of three years studying on the Sports Journalism degree at Solent University, Saj has repeatedly shown what is possible with creativity, hard work, dedication, determination and a willingness to push himself. He has shown a real flair for journalism, but more than that, he has repeatedly taken himself out of his comfort zone, tried new things and looked to expand his outlook.”

He goes on to say, “His contribution to student life has been second to none, he is a great friend and team player to his classmates and has been a regular source of help for the teaching team. An all-round worthy winner of the Bob Norris Award for a first-class effort in his approach to studying the craft of journalism at university.”

Speaking about the award Saj Rahman, who has just completed his final year at Solent says, “It is tough to stop smiling at the fact I have been awarded this – it came as a massive surprise – but I am very thankful to those who put my name forward for this prize and I am honoured to win this award in memory of the late Bob Norris, who I hope I can continue to do proud in the years to come.

Not stranger to winning awards, Saj continues, “After winning the FWA Student Football Writer of the Year in 2022, I experienced that triumphant feeling for the first time and saw how happy it made those around me and it has made me hungry to keep on striving for the highest accolades. This award is the same.”

“There are so many people that have put their faith in me over the years, and trying to make them proud and justify that trust is another major driving factor. Not least every single one of my lecturers at Solent University. Quite ironically as a journalist, I do not have the words to describe how great they have been with me. From the very moment I stepped into the University for an Open Day I knew this was the place to come. It was the best decision I could have ever made.”

Each winner will receive a trophy, certificate and cash awarded by the Solent Branch of the National Union of Journalists as a tribute to former chairman Bob.