FORMER Swansea City star and USA international footballer Jordan Morris is teaming up with Swansea University to discuss how he manages to combine a career in top-flight sport with type 1 diabetes.
He will be the special guest at webinar hosted by University sports scientists aimed at not only sharing how Jordan has overcome the challenge of living with diabetes but also inspiring others to do the same.
The free online event, supported by Swansea City FC, takes place at 6pm Thursday, July 1 and is open to anyone.
Professor Richard Bracken, who will be leading the webinar, holds a Chair in Exercise Physiology and works closely with diabetes charities and research organisations. His studies have seen him carrying out research with elite athletes such as Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s only professional cycling team made up of riders with type 1 diabetes.
The University is at the forefront investigation into diabetes and is also home of the renowned Diabetes Research Unit Cymru.
Professor Bracken said: “This really is a unique opportunity for us to quiz a sportsman of Jordan’s stature about living with type 1 diabetes. From a scientific point of view, we may understand the challenges it presents but only someone who has to live with the demands of diabetes can really explain what is involved.
“We are delighted he has agreed to join us and speak so candidly about his condition. His insight and experience will be inspirational for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness – whether they have diabetes or not.”
The event will see Jordan asked about topics such as the role played by diet and technology as well as the burden diabetes can put on an athlete’s mental health and the impact of Covid-19 on professional sport.
He will also take part in a question and answer session led by Professor Bracken’s colleague Dr Olivia McCarthy, PhD student Jason Pitt and Molly Smallman who is studying for an MSc.
The event will also be a chance to find out more about 26-year-old Jordan’s sporting career as well as his time at the Liberty Stadium which saw him play five times for the Swans before he suffered an ACL injury.
The footballer will be speaking live from his home in Seattle as he recuperates from his injury and from where he runs the Jordan Morris Foundation, an organisation he set up to educate, inspire, and support children living with type 1 diabetes.
Jordan, who was diagnosed at the age of 9, said: “One of my goals is to make sure kids are not ashamed of living with diabetes. In fact, they should be proud of it!
“I want to help them learn that with hard work and dedication this disease can’t hold you back from doing what you want to do and that things will get easier.
“Events like this are really important so I am really pleased to be taking part and to be given a chance to share that message.”
Sign up to take part in the webinar at: https://swanseauniversity.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5eyOhbgxRoy7VcnkR1MUKQ
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