T
he University of York has a long history of supporting sport at all levels, from British University and Colleges Sports competitions to inter‑college matches and of course, the casual sportsman.
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The University of York Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Historically, student élite athletes have struggled, unaided, to balance academic challenges with the demands of their chosen sport. Now, thanks to support from alumni through the York Annual Fund, the University of York Sports Scholarship Programme has been created to enable these athletes to successfully combine their academic and sporting demands throughout their time at the University. This three-year pilot programme, which launched in 2010/11, provides support tailored to the needs of the individual, providing financial support for equipment, injury treatment, coaching and competition expenses. There is also a support team headed by a performance manager, who can help them achieve their sporting goals. To qualify for the award of a Sports Scholarship athletes had to show they had competed at junior international level at their chosen sport and have a desire to progress to higher
levels. The first four élite athletes were chosen from applications that came from sports ranging from skiing to lacrosse. There is no doubt that all have benefited from the ability to compete in high level competitions around the country as well as gaining access to support specific to their sport, additional training and new equipment.
Katherine Gracey and Louise Highton
Katherine Gracey (Physics, 2011) Katherine is an international fencer who has just returned from competing in the Commonwealth Championships. Katherine fences for the University team and fences internationally for Northern Ireland with aspirations to compete for Great Britain. Katherine is currently ranked in the country’s top 50. Louise Highton (current Medical student) Louise is an international fencer who has competed for Great Britain Juniors. Louise fences for the University team and has aspirations to move up to the Great Britain Senior Team. David Tee (current Chemistry student) David is an international skier and a member of the England Alpine Ski Team. David has won numerous junior titles and is a member of the University ski team.
Charlotte Austwick
Charlotte Austwick (current Accounting, Business Finance and Management student) Charlotte is a golfer who has desires to turn professional on completion of her studies. Charlotte finished second in the English Girls Championships and was the top English player in the recent Ladies Junior Open in Scotland.
Sport at York Student David Tee in action
Elite Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme