18th November 1999

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17 outstanding young athletes have been selected for awards under the University's Sports Scholarships Scheme, which is supported by Guinness (Northern Ireland). The £80,000 4-year programme is now in its fourth year. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Thursday 18 November.

The programme has been very successful. Three of last year's scholars competed for Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur; two competed for Great Britain (athletics and powerlifting); six for Ireland and three competed at World Championship level.

This year's award winners span fourteen different sports and include eight full internationals, two all-Ireland Champions and members of Irish and British, European and World Championship squads.

The scholarships will provide financial help to offset travel expenses incurred in training and competition, the purchase of specialist equipment and clothing, entrance fees, University support services including fitness testing, nutritional and biomedical advice and sports psychology.

"Guinness is proud to support these scholarships which promote the achievement of both sporting and academic excellence. The dedication and commitment of these young people highlight their determination to achieve sporting success, which will contribute to a very bright economic future for all of Northern Ireland," said Michael Ryan, Financial Director at Guinness Northern Ireland.

Philip Carson, Acting Director of Sport and Recreation, University of Ulster, added "The scheme has been an outstanding success over the past three years of operation. Sportsmen and women from the University of Ulster have achieved considerable success both in their sport and in terms of their academic achievements. It has been an excellent partnership between the University and Guinness and one which has supported over 40 top class sports scholars."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk