Sportsmen and women of the University of Dundee gathered last night in the Hilton hotel for the annual blues and colours awards ceremony recognising this year's most outstanding sporting talents in the University.
Sportsman and woman of the year went to Jonathan Oparka and Helen Blair. Jonathan broke the British Universities championship best performance at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow last month, recording am astounding 6.75 seconds in the final. Jonathan is a final year physiology student from Auchterhouse. Helen has clinched the title of Scottish badminton champion in every age group up to under 21s. She has represented Scotland internationally since she was 13 and has participated in two European and one World junior championships.
Fred MacAulay, the University of Dundee's rector elect, to be installed in colourful pageant next week, delivered the after dinner speech to a delighted audience. The evening concluded with a ceilidh and late night disco.
Other winners included: Dawn Petrie, a 3rd year arts students won the first Alistair Lonie award in honour of the late head of the accountancy department. Reflecting Professor Lonie's dedication to sport, the award recognised the most enthusiastic sportsperson in the University.
Robert Philips, 1st year English and history student won the Stewart Campbell award for outstanding achievement outwith University sport. Robert is a member of the Scottish slalom canoe squad and is ranked as 12th junior in the world.
Jennifer Browning, studying anatomy and physiology, was awarded the Alistair G Sankey trophy for the most outstanding 1st year student. Jennifer is a member of the University's swimming and water polo team and won last summer's swim race from Banf to MacDuff harbour, securing the 3rd fastest time in the 100 year history of the event.
The James Boyle shield for dedication to sport was awarded to Simon Gillis,a 4th year accountancy student and member of the swimming and water polo team.
Jonathan Oparka, Helen Blair and Robert Phillips are all supported by the University's Excel Sports Scholarship which provides financial and psychological support to promising sportspeople. Five full blues, based on individual's performances throughout the year were also awarded.ENDS
Contact Chris Hall, Sports Union President 01382 344172