The University of Ulster Sports Academy has awarded Widening Access Sports Scholarships to 32 students. The award recognises their contribution to the widening access and outreach work of the University through sport.

The Widening Access Sports Scholarships (WASS) - worth 1,500 each - are awarded across seven different categories covering a wide range of outreach and targeted development areas.

Dr Marie Murphy and Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-directors of the Ulster Sports Academy said that the scholarships are another step in supporting Ulster’s vision to become the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland:

“This investment in our scholars will allow us to deliver an expanded range of sports related programmes to the community, provide valuable relevant work experience for Ulster students and help to drive Ulster towards its vision for sport.

“We hope that these scholarships will become an integral part of the University’s strategy for sport and help reward the many student volunteers who put so much hard work and time into widening access to the university through sport," they said.

Working alongside members of the Ulster Sports Academy, the scholars will deliver programmes and services in each of the areas they work in. Each scholarship is valued at £1,500, aimed at assisting the under-graduate students to carrying out sports services for the next year.

Professor Norman Black, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development and Student Services said: “This scholarship, Widening Access through Sport, is becoming the premier scholarship award - which is all down to the hard work of all those involved, and it will be used as an example to other faculties in the University as a way forward for Access Scholarships.

“We have introduced the scholarship scheme under the University’s Access Agreement, which is designed to give students from a disadvantaged economic background a better chance in education. And so a fund was developed that is open to all students.”

Final year Sport and Exercise Sciences student, Stephen Crothers from Jordanstown, received an award under the Sports Outreach Programme Scholarship. He said: “It means a lot to be awarded with the scholarship by the Sports Academy. It will be of huge benefit in assisting my Sports Outreach work in schools and the local community. It's great to see that the University has extended its range of scholarships - and is now helping those who help other people.”

Notes to editors:

The Scholarships are divided into two categories:

1. BE ACTIVE:

A programme aimed at developing increased participation in sport and physical activity. Scholarships available are:

• Women in Sport Scholarships
• Disability Sport Scholarships

2. BE INVOLVED:

Linked to the School of Sport Studies’ successful Sports Outreach Programme, Sports Development and Services programmes and the Youth Sports Trust leadership schemes, these Scholarships will foster closer links between school sport and the university. Scholarships available are:

• UU Sports Outreach Programme Scholarships
• Sports Leadership and Volunteering Scholarships
• Junior Athlete Education Scholarships
• Focus Sports Outreach Scholarships
• Dance Outreach Scholarships

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young