University of Aberdeen sporting champions aim for Gold at the World University Winter Games

Six sporting champions from the University of Aberdeen will represent Great Britain at the 21st World University Winter Games in Tarvisio, Italy, later this month. The University's representation in the British team is the largest of all the participating UK universities. Great Britain has entered teams in skiing (Alpine and Cross Country), snowboarding and curling and will send 20 competitors to the Games, all aiming for Gold.

University of Aberdeen graduate, Paul Stevenson, who finished fourth in the 2001 World Junior Championships, will Captain the British Men's Curling team. Stevenson is joined by fellow Aberdeen students David Owen, Fraser Watt and Gavin Baird, alongside Heriot Watt University's, Iain Kilgour. Curling is a guest sport in Tarvisio and 2003 is the first time ever that the sport has been included in the World University Winter Games. The event starts on January 17 with a round robin competition against the nine other entered teams which include Canada, USA and Norway. The semi-finals and final will be held on January 23.

Great Britain is also sending a team of eight alpine skiers, including Forbes Mitchell and Louise Kochalski both from Aberdeen University. Both athletes are part of the University's Sports Bursary scheme for high performance sport and Sport and Recreation Services staff at the University have been involved in their physical and psychological preparation for the Games.

Catriona Edge, Vice President Sport, University of Aberdeen, said: "The World University Winter Games is the highest level of any international competition specifically for students. It is a great honour to have such excellent athletes attending Aberdeen University, and our outstanding representation at the Games is just reward for the commitment that these talented individuals show towards to their chosen sports."

One of the participants, David Owen, said: " I'm delighted to have been selected to travel to Italy and compete for Great Britain. Having four of the University's Curling Team attending the event is a great achievement for our club and the University."