SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME FOR ELITE ATHLETES

The University of Brighton is to offer sports scholarships to a handful of
outstanding athletes who are studying at the university.

The scholars – who must demonstrate the ability to compete at national and
international level – will receive annual bursaries of £1,000 plus a package
of intensive training support during their time of study at the university.
The package will include free sports science support, free access to all
university training facilities, cut-price access to sports medicine and a
personal mentor to help them combine their academic and sporting
commitments.

Two or three scholars will be taken on in 2002/3, the first year of the
scheme, but by 2005/6 the university intends to offer up to 15 sports
scholarships at any one time.

Successful applicants could be studying any academic course at the
university, and could participate in any mainstream sport, but they must
satisfy the strict entry criteria (see notes). Applications from athletes
with disabilities are welcomed.

The university already has a superb track record in producing world-class
athletes. Its alumni include Kate Allenby, winner of the bronze medal for
the modern pentathlon at the 2000 Olympics.

Jerry Fairclough, the university’s director of sport and recreation, said:
‘To compete at an international level in any sport is tough, but when you
combine that with studying for a degree it is tougher still.

‘Through giving scholarships we can help high-performance athletes to
complete their studies and still achieve their full potential in their
chosen sport. The scholars will also benefit from the latest sports science
technology, which is available at our Eastbourne site.’