Niall Cameron, 21, of Elgin has been selected for the Commonwealth Championships for table tennis to be held in Delhi, India from the 12th of April to the 23rd.
A 4th year Maths BSc student, Niall is an accomplished athlete (former Scottish junior champion for the steeplechase). He will sit his final exams a month after his return (7 exams in total).
He was Scottish junior Table-Tennis champ in 1997 and is currently ranked #4 Senior in Scotland for table tennis and has represented the full Scottish Squad in the European Champs in Bremen (2000) and at the World Championships in Eindhoven (1999).
His selection for the Delhi championships was based on results in Scottish tournaments and National League results. He plays for 'Clear Solutions Aberdeen' in the Scottish National League where he has been undefeated. He also plays for Darlington in the British League.
When asked what his aims were for India, Niall replied: “We are hoping to win a medal. It will be tough as many of the teams are made up of full-time players. However, we have been given very strict training programmes to enable us to compete at this level while still studying or working.”
“Scotland’s number 1, Euan Walker, recently defeated reigning Commonwealth Champion and England number 1 Matthew Syed, which gives us great hope.”
“Next year I am going to play full-time, professionally, in France, and am looking for a sponsor to help me do this.”
Niall has received a bursary award for the past 3 years and is one of 8 bursars at the University of Aberdeen receiving help from the University Sports Bursary scheme to fulfil their dreams – in Niall’s case, of playing table tennis professionally. The scheme provides him free access to the sports facilities, on-the-spot advice on his performance, and support sessions in areas such as relaxation, nutrition and time management, as well as financial support for his competition expenses.
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.