Sports

Willing to excel
The highly successful excel sports scholarship programme, now running for the third consecutive year, held an induction day for prospective scholars during freshers' week. Seventeen applicants for Excel awards were invited to participate in a range of interactive workshops. Experts delivered the workshops designed to heighten the athletes' awareness of what it takes to become a champion both within their academic studies and sporting career.

Jonathan Oparka (GB Athlete) presented a joint workshop with Paul McPate, assistant director of sport and exercise on the need to balance the load of academic study and training and competition. Jonathan graduated from the University this year and a former excel scholar is currently in training for the Commonwealth Games.

Brian Ewing, director of sport and exercise explained that the volume and calibre of applications received for this year's programme had been outstanding: "Unfortunately, there are a limited number of Excel awards and the standard of applicants has made the process of finalising the squad very difficult. However, the Institute of Sport and Exercise is dedicated to the development of elite sport and as a result aims to support as many talented athletes as possible."

Following individual interviews, where many of the athletes cited the Excel as the determining factor in choosing to study at the University of Dundee, the Excel Sports Scholarship Squad for 2001/2002 was finalised.

Caption - Excel hopefuls at the induction day

The Institute of Sport and Exercise The Institute of Sport and Exercise provided first year students with a warm welcome during pre-sessional week through a programme of events designed to encourage participation in the many sport and exercise opportunities available at the university. Nearly 300 students enjoyed sport and activity evenings on the Tuesday and Thursday, while the week's highlight was the Institute's "sportexperience" on the Wednesday afternoon which was designed to profile the many classes and sessions available to students through "drop-in" sessions, information points and practical demonstrations. In addition, a unique triathlon, using fitness suite equipment, allowed those of a more ambitious nature to "row the Tay", "climb the Law" and "cycle the campus" for the ultimate prize of a Student Sports Facilities Membership.

The October physical activity programme was a fun action-packed week for 64 children. Three to fifteen year olds enjoyed the week long programme which included junior sports, trampoline coaching, playfit and games. The week was especially exciting for the child members who visited Tannadice. Maurice Malpas, the Dundee United coach is a supporter of the funfit club and arranged the visit for the children. The players gave the children goodie bags and signed autographs for them.

Cap Dundee United players (l to r) Paul Gallagher, Steven Thompson, Jim Patterson with some of the children

Top award for sports scientist
Dr Audrey Duncan, Sports Science Officer in the Institute of Sport and Exercise recently received a top award from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). Audrey was awarded the Philip Read Memorial Award for the best presentation by a new investigator. This followed her presentation entitled 'Motor Control of Eccentric Muscle Contraction in Landing' to the BASES Annual Conference in September. Audrey's prize includes £500 and a certificate.

Caption - Audrey Duncan

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