Twenty-seven outstanding young Northern Ireland sportsmen and women are to be recognised for their sporting achievements at a special awards ceremony at the University of Ulster today.

Fifteen young athletes have been selected for awards under the University's Sports Scholarship scheme, while twelve excellent young golfers have been awarded bursaries under the Royal and Ancient Golf Scheme. The Golf Bursaries are funded by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and supported by the Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch).

The UU’s Sports Scholarship Scheme selects a number of students each year who are deserving of financial help and support services to assist them in maintaining sporting excellence during their time at the University.

The awards span twelve different sports and include students who have competed for Great Britain Senior International Teams, Ireland Senior International Teams, Great Britain and Ireland Age Group International Teams, Northern Ireland Senior Teams and Senior Inter-Provincial Teams. Some have also competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Student Games, World Student Golf Championships and Commonwealth Championships.

Guest speaker at the event is Irish international cricketer Andrew White, himself a UU Sports Scholar.

Dr. Nigel Dobson, Head of Sport and Recreation Services at the University of Ulster, said

"With the support of many partners the scholarship and bursary schemes are developing year on year and this is reflected in the success of our athletes both on and off the field of play"

This is the 14th year of the Sports Scholarship Award Scheme and the 10th year of the Golf Bursary Scheme. The scheme has gone from strength to strength during that time and has become of the most prestigious schemes in the UK and Ireland.

The scholarships provide, financial help to offset travel expenses incurred in training and competition, the purchase of specialist equipment and clothing, University support services, including fitness testing, nutritional and biomedical advice and sports psychology and the services of the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland i.e. Strength and Conditioning and Physiotherapy.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young