Supporting Sport

02 November 2011

Today, Wednesday 2 November, members of the Senior Management Team at Aberystwyth University will be joining Guild representatives and supporting its students whilst they compete in a range of sports.

This Wednesday, the University will host 18 games between Aberystwyth and 10 different Universities, arranged as part of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league.  With students competing in sports ranging from Fencing to Football and Badminton to Basketball in locations across Campus and in the town, the University and Guild are hoping that the home teams succeed in a number of the games.

“It’s fantastic to see so many teams competing at home today,” comments Alun Minifey, Activities Officer at Aberystwyth Guild of Students. “Wednesday afternoons have traditionally been kept free for sporting activities and we’re very keen that this tradition is upheld so that as many students as possible are able to benefit from the multitude of advantages associated with team and individual sports.

“It’s great that the Senior Management Team has been able to join us to support our teams today.”

In addition to watching some of the games, Professor April McMahon, Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor will also start the Basketball game between Aberystwyth University and Cardiff University’s women’s teams.

Professor McMahon commented: “I’m delighted to be able to lend my support to our students during their sporting activities.  University life is about much more than just a degree, it’s also about developing the skills of our students to ensure that they are ready for whichever career they choose after graduation.  Being part of a team, ambition and dedication are all transferable skills which I see as being equally important to a sportsperson as they are to a prospective employer.

“I wish all the teams well this afternoon and extend a very warm welcome to the students from the various universities competing to Aberystwyth. I’m sure they’ll be very pleased to see the range and standard of facilities available to them at our University.”

The 18 matches which will be played include games in Badminton, Basketball, Fencing, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby Union, Squash and Tennis. The Universities visiting Aberystwyth include UWIC, University of Gloucestershire, Swansea Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, University of Bath, University of the West of England, Swansea University, Bournemouth University, University of Glamorgan and the University of Bristol.