News

Team Durham and DUCK aim to make rugby history for charity

(4 February 2004)

Durham University will take on arch rivals Northumbria University during a charity rugby match to raise money for the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS).

Team Durham and Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK) hope to attract up to 5000 people to the match which will take place under the floodlights of Durham City Rugby Club at 7:30pm on Wednesday 11 February.

The event is being supported by former students from both Durham and Northumbria Universities now playing for Newcastle Falcons 1st team, including Dave Walder, Michael Stephenson, Jamie Noon, Craig Hamilton, Micky Ward, Nick Makin and Jon Dunbar. The joint venture aims to be one of the biggest student events Durham has ever seen and raise around £7,000 for EFDS.

Sir Kenneth Calman, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University said, “The numbers of students and supporters involved shows the immense pride we have in Durham University sport, it should be an excellent night with some great entertainment, top rugby names and an exciting game.”

Proceeds from the challenge will be donated to the development of ‘Into Sport’, a series of resource books encouraging the greater pursuit of sport, leisure qualifications and general involvement in university sport by disabled people.

Fiona Patterson, North East Regional Development Manager for EFDS, commented “The match is a tremendous opportunity and an indication of the growing commitment by the regions universities to support the development of disability sport and disabled athletes. We aim to get the message across that sport and leisure is most definitely a valid career path for people with disabilities.”

The evenings entertainment will be bolstered by the presence of University cheerleaders and mascots, a big-band, a welly wanging competition, hot dog stands and a half time kicking display from England, Newcastle Falcon and former Durham University fly-half Dave Walder.

Tim Guinan, DUCK Manager said, “Dave will be kicking from the 50m line to award raffle prizes including signed Falcons and England shirts.”

Dave Walder will also present the Durham Athletic Union President with an award to commemorate Durham’s highest ever 5th place finish in the BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) rankings last season behind giants Loughborough, Bath, Birmingham and UWIC.

4 February 2004

Dr Peter Warburton, University of Durham, Director of Sport 0191 334 2175

Ben Dowding, Sports Marketing Officer 0191 334 2165

Tim Guinan, DUCK Manager 0191 334 1797

Fiona Patterson, EFDS Regional Development Manager 0191 334 7207

Notes to Editors

1. Team Durham is the University of Durham’s strategy for supporting sporting excellence. The aim of Team Durham is to:
   • Establish the University of Durham as one of the top six sporting universities in Britain by 2005 (placed 5th in BUSA rankings 2002/03);
   • Ensure that high-level performers are in a position to enter world-class and high-performance club programmes on leaving the University of Durham;
   • Provide an infrastructure that supports individuals of all abilities whilst studying at the University of Durham;
   • Further the development of sporting relationships with our partners locally, regionally and nationally.
2. DUCK is Durham University's equivalent of Rag. Rag means "Raise and Give". DUCK raise money for local, national and international charities in as many fun ways as possible, trying to involve as many people as possible throughout the year. Last year DUCK donated over £85,000 to over 100 different charities.
3. English Federation of Disability Sport is the national organisation responsible for the developing sport and physical activity for disabled people. In the North East, EFDS are working with key partners to promote inclusion and equality within regional plans for sport and empower disabled people to take a full and active role within the development and delivery of sport.