3 April 2009

Dundee students retain sports trophy

Sports stars from the University of Dundee have lifted the Tay Games Varsity Challenge trophy for the second year running.

Representatives from the University went head to head with their Abertay rivals at venues in and around the city on Wednesday, April 1st. Dundee emerged triumphant after winning in every contest, apart from the ladies and men’s basketball and golf challenges, where the teams tied.

Around 150 students competed in five different sports - football, basketball, netball, hockey and golf. This was the second year running that teams from the two universities have competed for the trophy, and bragging rights, whilst raising money for charity at the same time.

Each student taking part in the event donated a pound to sports charity Right To Play, and spectators were also encouraged to make a donation.

The organisation is a UK-wide student movement that works with more than 700,000 children in 23 of the world’s most impoverished countries to teach them skills such as leadership, teamwork conflict resolution and respect through sport and play.

Vice-President of the Dundee Sports Union Richard Sawyer said the competition allows students to play competitive sport on a platform of mutual friendship and co-operation between the two universities.

He added, 'Being able to do all this whilst also aiding Right To Play's struggle to get sport into the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves is very important to us at Dundee.'

'We appreciate the value of charity in the current climate, and are eager for all people, no matter what their circumstance, to enjoy the freedom to play sport that we are so lucky to enjoy in the UK.'

After the event, the teams met up in the Sports Bar at Abertay's Student Centre for the trophy presentation and a well-earned drink.

Sports Union President Paul Blake said the success in the Varsity competition reflected Dundee’s growing sporting excellence.

He said, 'We’ve had a very successful year with the Boat Club winning the University Winter League for the first time in their history. Dundee also achieved great success at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships when we came back with two golds, two silvers and one bronze.'

'In addition, the men’s volleyball, men’s hockey and men’s basketball teams won the inaugural Scottish Conference Cup, while the tennis team were narrowly beaten in the final.'

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