News

Sport award's success

(6 February 2006)

Durham University has much to celebrate with the recent round of Sport awards proving fruitful for Durham’s staff and regional connections at the award ceremony last night (5 February 2006).

Peter Warburton, Director of Sport, was presented with the Service to Sport award. Peter said: “Naturally, I’m proud to accept the Service to Sport award on behalf of everyone who is involved with Sport at the University. We are a pretty unique team.” Sport England's citation about Peter Warburton' mentioned his personal leadership and influence in bringing major events to the region including international cross-country, fencing and hockey tournaments; in managing the Durham University sport environment that produces a stream of world-class athletes, such as cricketers, rowers and rugby players; and in pioneering and sustaining initiatives for community sport both in the region's clubs and schools and further a field. The Disabled Sports Person award went to John Robertson who is renowned worldwide for his sailing despite being left paraplegic following a near fatal motorbike accident. John does his strength and conditioning training at Durham University’s Sport Centre at Maiden Castle. Organisations were also recognised for their contributions to sport. The Governing Body of Sport award was presented to the Amateur Rowing Association, which highlights the strength of rowing in the region, to which Durham University contributes highly. Sport Universities North East England was given the Support to Sport award. It is a national pilot project, backed by the Sports Minister, in which the five universities - Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside - develop good practice for working in the whole community on sports performance, health, changing lifestyles and teamwork. They are appointing a coordinator this week.