30th October 2008

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The University of Ulster Performance Sport Scholars with Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett

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

Irish Paralympic gold medallists Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth were the guests of honour at the Jordanstown event at which 15 students received Performance Sports Scholarships, and a further six were awarded Golf Scholarships. Two Coaching Scholarships were also awarded.

International Sports Scholarships were awarded, with nine students from as far as America, Canada, New Zealand and France, receiving honours.

Among this year’s Scholars are three Belfast Giants Ice Hockey players, Paralympic swimmer Stephen Campbell, Northern Ireland and Glentoran footballer Sean Ward and Irish international cricketer Gary Kidd, with the scholarships amount totalling £40,000.

More than 60 students applied for the prestigious Scholarship Scheme, and the programme aims to give students the assistance they need to attain a high level of sporting achievement. The total of the scholarships amounts to over £40,000.

Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director of the 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 programmes are designed to give them assistance in terms of services and financial support," Dr Dobson said.

“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 services 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,” Dr Dobson said.

“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 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 third year running, the University also awarded Coaching Scholarships. Soccer coach Conor Marlin and Irish rugby star Amy Davis 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.

Conor 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:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter