Dozens of athletes were in Sheffield at the weekend in training for the Special Olympics World Games 2019 to be held in Abu Dhabi in March. More than 7,000 athletes from over 170 countries will be competing, with Special Olympics GB hoping for a haul of medals. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to athlete Alexander Davies and coach Steve McFadyen.
Pro-European campaigners demonstrate at Sheffield Town Hall as MPs vote to reject the Prime Minister’s Brexit withdrawal agreement. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Neil Schofield, chair of Sheffield for Europe.
Hundreds of people attended a People’s Vote rally at Sheffield’s Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, to demand a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out another referendum as MPs debate government proposals for Brexit. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Councillor Jim Steinke, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, told Sheffield Live! there is a need for better quality temporary accommodation for the homeless. His comments came as rough sleepers erected two makeshift tents last weekend at Park Hill flats, nearly two years after the previous “Tent City” was shut down by the authority. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Rail travellers returning to work after the festive holidays have faced a blow as train fares have increased by an average of 3.1 per cent in England and Wales. Campaigners calling for the railway services to be re-nationalised gathered at Sheffield station to greet commuters with leaflets about the change. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A Sheffield-based migration rights group is calling on the government to assure safe passage for refugees and asylum seekers crossing the Channel to enter the UK. Stuart Crossthwaite, of the South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group, said the government should provide a “safe and legal route to allow people to exercise their rights to claim asylum”. The comments came as Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced two additional UK Border Force boats will be deployed to patrol the Channel. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Wednesday have ended the contract of manager Jos Luhukay less than a year after his appointment at Hillsborough. Sheffield Live! asked fans for their reaction. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Rotherham Councillor Emma Hodinott, cabinet member for community safety, told Sheffield Live! she found deeply upsetting the local authority’s involvement in offering a convicted rapist parental access to the victim’s child. Rape victim Sammy Woodhouse, who waived her anonymity to speak out on the issue, said she was “extremely distressed” when she found out Arshid Hussain, who groomed, raped and impregnated her when she was a teenager, was offered a chance to be involved in her son’s future. The authority was criticised for their approach but say they acted within the law. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Former IBF welterweight title holder, Kell Brook, is to take on Australian Michael Zerafa at the Sheffield Arena in what Brook says could be his last fight in the city. The 32 year old Sheffield boxer, once ranked as the worlds best active welterweight, is looking to return to elite competition and will be seeking a quick win. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohamed spoke to Brook’s visiting opponent, Michael Zerafa, as he prepared for the Saturday bout.
Sheffield and Rotherham have been confirmed among the locations to host football matches for the UEFA 2021 Women’s European Championships. Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium as well as Rotherham’s New York stadium will stage games in the prestigious continental championship featuring teams from 16 countries. The championship will be played at eight venues across the country before heading to the final at Wembley. The bid to stage the tournament was submitted by the Football Association as part of its ‘Gameplan for Growth’ strategy which supports the development of women’s football. Sheffield Live reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to the Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure.