Twenty-seven outstanding young sportsmen and women have been recognised for their sporting achievements at a special awards ceremony at the University of Ulster.

Irish Olympic sailors Russell and Matt McGovern were the guests of honour at the Jordanstown event at which 15 students received Performance Sports Scholarships, and a further ten were awarded Golf Bursaries. Two Coaching Scholarships were also awarded.

Among this year's Scholars are Irish international swimmer Melanie Nocher, Northern Ireland International netball captain Hannah Irvine, Ulster Hurler of the Year Neil McManus and Irish and British Cup Surf Champion Easkey Britton.

American Triple-Jump record holder Tiombe Hurd also made a special appearance at the awards. The 2001 World Championship bronze medallist was on a two-day visit to the University where she used the world-class facilities at the Jordanstown campus as part of her pre-Olympic training regime.

More than 80 students applied for the prestigious Scholarship and Bursary Scheme awards and the programme aims to give students the assistance they need to attain a high level of sporting achievement.

Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director of the University of Ulster Sports Academy, said that the awards were of the highest importance to the development of the students' sporting excellence.

"What we at the University of Ulster recognise is that athletes need support. The Scholarship and the Bursary programmes are designed to give them assistance in terms of services and financial support."

"It is recognition by the University that sport is important. The students are participating at such a high level that the University and its partners and sponsors are willing to support the programme to make sure that the Scholars get the most out of the excellent services at Ulster."

The Scholarship Scheme also provides students with a mentor, to help them balance their sporting and academic careers and assist them with any¨problems they may encounter along the way.

"Students meet regularly with their mentors to ensure that the service that are in place are sports specific and if they are having problem balancing their sport and their academic studies then that is taken care of," said Dr Dobson.

"The final commitment of the Scholarships is that the students give something back to university sport. Some will help with coaching while others helping develop our sports club structures and development activities. It is not just a one-way thing for the University: we expect that the students will deliver for us and promote sport in whatever way they can."

For the second year running, the University awarded Coaching Scholarships. Laura Kerr and Conor Marlin received the coveted awards, and are hoping the Scholarships will help them develop their coaching skills and experience through the education and mentoring support provided.

Laura is a UK Accredited Strength and Conditioning Association coach, and as well as being a qualified professional fitness instructor, she is currently assisting Linfield FC, the IFA Centre of Excellence Programmes, the NI Archery Commonwealth Development Squad and the NI Women's Football team.

If that wasn't enough to cram in, she is also the Templeton Robinson-sponsored Coaching Scholar, and assists with the Junior Golf Academy, UU Athletics and Volleyball clubs as well as a range of individual national and international sports stars.

Conor Marlin is a UEFA B Licence soccer coach and assists with the IFA Regional Development Squad in Tyrone as well as the IFA Grass Roots Coaching Scheme and the soccer club at the University's Jordanstown campus.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young