9 September 2010
Dundee University Sport - A Winning Partnership
A partnership between students and academics is set to herald an exciting new era for sport at the University of Dundee.
The Institute of Sport and Exercise (ISE) and Dundee University Sports Union are joining forces to maximise the strengths of each partner to enhance the provision of sport for students and staff.
The new partnership "Dundee University Sport" promises to bring about an exciting future for sport at the University, and captains from 42 of the Sports Union’s clubs met with staff from ISE at their annual induction day to mark the signing of the agreement and what they hope will be the beginning of a mutually beneficial arrangement.
ISE Assistant Director Paul McPate said the move follows a similar, highly successful collaboration at national level.
"The national association for student sport and the equivalent for university sports department staff amalgamated in 2005 to form Scottish Universities Sport," he explained. "It has been an outstanding success and the model was recognised here as one we should move towards."
"The aim is to improve the quality and experience of sport across all levels. ISE has extensive professional expertise and management experience in relation to sports development and that is now married to student enthusiasm and a substantial volunteer base.
"New students bring fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm and these are major strengths but it also means that as committees hand over and new students come in some of the knowledge base has to be revisited every year.
"We can offer a level of continuity and that is one of our strengths. We can offer help in terms of hand over, inductions etc when new committees come in and we’ll have a development role for clubs assisting the volunteer base which the clubs rely on to function."
Earlier in the summer members of the Sports Union unanimously approved a proposal to establish Dundee University Sport.
Sports Union President Graeme Spowart said the initiative was the logical next step to develop sport at the University.
"The Sports Union has existed since 1967 and has brought a continual flow of different ideas but it has sometimes lacked the year on year continuity needed to support clubs in their long-term development.
"Now the clubs will continue to have the representation, guidance, student knowledge and support given by the sports union but they will also have the expertise and consistent professional support from ISE.
"Dundee University Sport gives us a better platform to promote the successes of our sports teams and clubs through wider avenues and champion the close-knit sporting community we have at the university."
Graeme, in his role as President, will be a member of the new body’s management committee as will the Sports Union’s vice-presidents and secretary and members of ISE staff.
"This will strengthen the student voice by giving them direct input into the decision making process," said Paul. "The potential in this is very exciting. We expect that within three years our competitive success will have improved and that opportunities for taking part in sports will be greater for students and for staff.
"Sport is a great way for staff and students to become part of and take pride in the University community and both ISE and the Sports Union are confident that Dundee University Sport will deliver a high quality sporting experience for the university community."
The Sports Union represents some 51 member and associate clubs, ranging from archery to volleyball. Several University teams have enjoyed success at a national level in recent years, and many sportsmen and women from the University have gone on to represent their country and achieve individual glory in their chosen field.
The leading-edge facilities and expertise available has seen ISE designated as an accredited training venue for both the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
After a £pound4million extension in 2007, ISE can boast the most extensive range of sport and exercise facilities in Tayside, including several fitness studios, specialist facilities for a range of sports, and a regional strength performance centre (SPC).
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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