Potential sporting champions given helping hand from University
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Today (Tuesday, October 31) at 6.45pm, Hillhead Centre – full details below
Talented athletes are being given a unique chance to realise their full potential thanks to a dedicated sports funding scheme run by the University of Aberdeen.
The University of Aberdeen Sports Bursar Scheme gives promising young athletes the opportunity to receive invaluable expert advice on how to improve their performance in their chosen sport. The scheme also provides free access to the University’s sports facilities and seminars in areas such as relaxation, nutrition, psychology and time management, as well as financial support for competition expenses.
The scheme, run by the University’s Sport and Recreation Services, is funded by University of Aberdeen Alumni who give generously each year to support up and coming athletes in their goal to become professional sports men and women.
This year, 16 young athletes from all over Scotland and England have been selected to receive the latest round of sports funding, all of whom compete at Scottish or Great Britain level. The participants have been selected from a variety of sports from rowing, cross-country skiing, and shooting, to cricket, running and hockey.
Donald Pirie, High Performance Manager, said he was looking forward to working with this year’s talented sports bursars. He said: “I am delighted to welcome an exceptional group of students who demonstrate such a wealth of sporting talent.
“This year’s sports bursars are promising young athletes who aspire to compete in the World Student Games and also in future Olympic and Commonwealth squads. These young athletes are dedicated to their sport and we are pleased to offer them the guidance and support they need at such a crucial time in their sporting careers.”
Aberdeen shooter Heather Rudd is one this year’s bursars. Heather, 26, originally from Kirkaldy, was the Scottish Women’s Air Rifle Champion in 2005 and competed in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Heather is currently in the 2012 Olympic Squad.
Another local athlete is Olwen Thorn, from Huntly, who is one of Scotland’s top cross-country skiers who hopes to compete in the World Student Games this season in Italy.
In addition to the above, the University also supports 10 golf bursars, and five local athletes have also been chosen to participate in a ‘High Performer Scheme’ in which they are offered specialist coaching and advice by the University.
For further information on the University of Aberdeen Sports Bursar Scheme, contact Sports and Recreation on: 01224 272318 or log on to: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sportandrec/