10 September 2012

Students encouraged to get active and 'Give It A Go'

Students at the University of Dundee will this Wednesday be encouraged to "Give It A Go" and try their hand at new sports.

Dundee University Sport, the partnership between the Institute of Sport and Exercise (ISE) and Dundee University Sports Union, is seeking to build on the upsurge in interest as a result of London 2012 by showcasing the wide range of sports, clubs facilities, and associations on offer at the University.

Taster sessions in 29 sports as diverse as aikido and water polo will be held at ISE and other University facilities from 12.30-8pm on Wednesday, 12th September.

Paul McPate, Assistant Director of ISE, said an unprecedented amount of interest had been shown at last week's Sports Fayre and, as a result, he expects up to 1500 new and returning students to take part in the Give It A Go day.

"We expect that this year's event will set new records for participation, and we are delighted that the Olympic Games are indeed inspiring people to take part in sports," he said.

"This Wednesday's Give It A Go taster sessions being offered on campus by the student sports clubs are the perfect opportunity for students to try something out that they fancy.

"With 29 different sports being promoted, there is a variety of sporting choice available to students at the university. Two students - Kenny Duffy from the trampoline club and Hannah Lawrie from the volleyball club - have recently returned from volunteering roles in the Olympics and Paralympics respectively, so will be able to provide first hand accounts to interested students."

The Sports Union, Student Services and Dundee University Students Union (DUSA), have just come together to host a range of events promoting the physical and mental health benefits of exercise.

The programme of events will include the Sports Union's launch of the University's bid to obtain a Healthy Body Healthy Mind Award. This national awards scheme recognises institutions that actively promote sport and exercise as a means of maintaining good mental wellbeing.

More information about the Give It A Go taster sessions is available from www.dundee.ac.uk/ise/dundeeuniversitysport/news/

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
MOBILE: 07854 953277