Kent’s Sporting Legends
Celebrating past, present and future athletes
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2  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  Contents
Contents Directors Directors of sport at Kent 4 The Past The history of sport at Kent 10 Wayne Otto OBE 12 Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, MBE; Barry McGuigan MBE 13 Mel Clewlow; Jacquie Edwards; Jennifer Wilson; Derek Underwood MBE 14 Gary Smith; Jason Plowman; Philip Birkett; Liam Abrahams 15 The history of racquet sports 16 The Present Sport at Kent today Adam Gemili; Lizzy Yarnold MBE Jasmin Pomeroy; Samuel Holbert; Rebecca Barton-Hager; Leigh Weatheridge University of Kent staff spotlight Susannah Townsend; Natasha Brennan; Natalie Seymour; Adam Ball Michael Koudou; Geraint Jones MBE Research on competitive cycling
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
The Future Future direction of sport at Kent Sports Federation: future of student sport at Kent Bobby Clay; Alex Clay Millie Knight; Abbie Wyver Future sporting facilities Technology and sport Project 100 - Inspiring sporting endeavours Kent Sport Scholarship Programme
30 31 32 33 34 36 38 39
Kent County Council Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service Kent School Games Supporting talented performers
40 41 42
3  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  Foreword
Foreword Graham Holmes Director of Sport, University of Kent
The Kent's Sporting Legends event focusses on three sporting strands; 'past, present and future'. It is a pure celebration of sport and its place at the centre of our society. I hope you enjoy this brochure which can only be a small snapshot of sport at the University and a glimpse of some of the many sporting greats around the county. Kent, the University and County, have proud and very strong sporting traditions. It would be impossible to cover everything, so we have tried to capture just a small flavour of both. I hope it makes both an informative and interesting read, and is one to keep as a momento of this wonderful event. If you have sporting successes or aspirations that you would like to share with us we would be pleased to hear from you at sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk. Have a great evening.
This picture was taken in the main sports hall when George Popplewell (left) was Director, David James (centre) was Assistant Director, and Mike Wilkins was a Sports Centre Assistant.
4 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Directors
George Popplewell Director of Sport: 1968 to1984 At the interview for the post of "Physical Recreation Advisor", the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Geoffrey Templeman, asked George how his previous work and experience was suitable for the position he had applied for. Having worked in the Prisons department of the Home Office, he was confident that he could set up, from scratch, a comprehensive Sports and Recreation Service. In April 1968 George started to conceive and develop such a service, which would cater for students, staff, children, local community and various sports bodies. He was lucky to have the support of Professor Roy Chisholm, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sport and Recreation and John Reilly, the committee secretary. The nerve centre was the newly built category B Sports Centre. The new centre, designed by Sir Basil Spence, contained some ingenious features which reduced glare and noise levels and suited use for multiple sports, examination hall, registrations and pop concerts. The sports hall hosted rock legends Led Zeppelin when Rutherford College was vetoed by University safety staff due to capacity concerns. He ran the original programme single-handedly. Part-time cleaner Frank Wood, who was keen on sport and had local contacts, assisted him.
“At my valedictory speech, I expressed my regret at not having a swimming pool (planned but no finance) and a pavilion, but was pleased to be given an Honorary Sports Centre Membership.”
George demonstrating the Clean and Jerk at the Sportsmens' Conference, Wakefield, 1960.
Later, the Sports Personality of the Year trophy was set up in his memory, together with a splendid notice board depicting the winners' names. In 1971, Mike Wilkins was appointed Sports Centre assistant, but only on a temporary basis due to a shoestring budget. As the University grew, so did the recreation service. Alan Rustage was appointed Assistant Director followed by George’s wife, Elaine, who became full-time Assistant Director for women's sport. Alan left to become director at the University of Essex, basing his programme on the University of Kent model. David James succeeded him.
When David first came to Kent in 1974 he had just left his post as senior coach to the British Amateur Boxing Association and his last official duty was to take the British boxers through the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. During his six years as senior coach, he had been responsible for the successes of British boxers in the Mexico and Munich Olympics and also, at novice level, for the building of a coaching system for school and youth boxers. He was at the top of his profession for many years. He started as a competitor winning the British Universities and Welsh ABA light-heavyweight title in his twenties, after which he became the Senior National Coach to the Amateur Boxing Association. He was regarded as a world expert. His book, Better Boxing, is based on his experience at both ends of the long-standing commitment with the Canadian ABA which involved the preparation of coaching manuals and the establishment of a national coaching scheme. At the Sports Centre he coached the UKC Boxing team (concentrating on the keep-fit aspect as much as the competition) and trained the cricket squad, another of his specialties. He was the Secretary to the Universities and Hospitals Boxing Association and a staff coach for the National Cricket Association.
“He had been at the top of his profession for many years: starting as a competitor and then as Senior National Coach to the ABA.”
Shortly after his retirement, David moved to Hertfordshire and sadly passed away within a year after battling cancer. The David James Boxing Scholarship was created in his memory. Started by a generous donation from a former boxing pupil and friend of David’s, it is designed to support selected boxers to achieve their potential and offers a scholarship of between £250 - £2,250 per academic year.
David training boxer John Horton at Kent Sport.
5 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Directors
David James Director of Sport: 1984 to 1992
6 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Directors
Mike Wilkins MBE Director of Sport: 1992 to 2007 Mike was born in Leeds. He was an outstanding athlete whos schoolboy ambition to play Rugby League and cricket for Yorkshire was overtaken by a life-long passion for football. A promising start to his professional career at Bradford City was cut short by a career-ending knee injury at the age of 21. Mike's career at the University began in 1971. His temporary appointment as a Sports Centre Assistant was quickly changed to a permanent role. With initial encouragement by the serving director (George Popplewell), Mike embarked on a series of qualifications culminating in the attainment of a Social Sciences degree. An original self-starter Mike advanced through the ranks to become Director in 1992, the first in the University sport sector to have done so.
“Mike's enthusiasm to involve students, staff and the local community resulted in him being awarded an MBE in 2007.”
The end of his playing days hailed the start of an illustrious coaching career which included coaching the University football team for over 30 years and winning 35 trophies including three British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) finals. He also had long coaching roles with Chelsea and Gillingham FCs youth departments, playing no small part in the development of players such as Jon Harley and Leroy Lita (England U21s). Mike passionately believes in ‘Sport for All’. His driving force and enthusiasm to involve students,
Mike playing football, the sport he is passionately involved in.
staff and the local community resulted in him being awarded an MBE in 2007 for ‘Services to Higher Education and to Sport’. In 2007 Mike retired as Director of Sport at Kent, and was succeeded by Graham Holmes. The Mike Wilkins Football Scholarship Fund was set up to support and encourage aspiring players in his honour.
Graham Holmes joined the Royal Air Force at 18. He served for 12 years as a Physical Training Instructor, during which time he retrained as Air Crew, winning a number of awards.
Among others events, he played non-stop squash for 24 hours, exactly 12 months after his double ligament knee reconstruction and removal of all his cartilage (having been told by the consultant that he would never play squash again). He played the final 30 minutes against then world number 5 - Simon Parke (and still nicked a few points!).
“He still holds the world record for Badminton Singles Endurance, playing non-stop for an incredible 85 hours, a record which still stands after 25 years.”
Graham also completed an epic two day mountain bike ride of 250km from just outside Nairobi to Maua in the Central Highlands of Kenya in 2012, to raise money for the charity Seeds for Africa, of which he is currently chairman.
In a move to private leisure in 1996 he purchased and successfully turned a loss making sport and leisure club to profit within three years. During this time he also freelanced as a sports polymath coaching racquet sports, providing sports therapy services, and lecturing on sport, fitness and health. In 1999 Graham was brought into the University Sport and Recreation Department initially as Operations Manager, then Assistant Director, Acting Director and finally Director of Sport. His experience in the private sector has been crucial during a Directorship that has seen the fastest expansion of sport and leisure infrastructure and services at Kent since the doors opened in 1965. Despite reconstructive knee and ankle surgery, he has remained a prolific sportsman. An ‘exceptional all-rounder’ - Graham is renowned for an unrelenting tenacious spirit and stamina which has seen him complete remarkable endurance events for charity. He still holds the world record for Badminton Singles Endurance, playing non-stop for an incredible 85 hours, a record which still stands after 25 years.
Graham during the 250km mountain bike ride for the charity Seeds for Africa.
7 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Directors
Graham Holmes Director of Sport: 2007 to present
The Past
The University of Kent’s 50th anniversary year is the perfect time to reflect on sporting success. Such tremendous achievements deserve celebration and serve to inspire current and upcoming sportspersons to greater endeavours.
10 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
The history of sport at Kent The University of Kent has a long and proud tradition of supporting sport. Recognising the importance of recreation the University quickly established a wide range of facilities and services.
The main sports hall was built at that time as both a sports hall and an exam hall, with some ground breaking architecture that is still very relevant to this day. The Students Sports Federation was also formed very early on and the University quickly earned a reputation for 'punching above its weight' in terms of its sporting performances against universities that were older and larger. This was undoubtedly helped by the early introduction of a Director of Sport, George Popplewell and professional sports staff, who were able to harness the energy, enthusiasm and raw talent of the students and turn this into winning performances, many of which are still spoken of today. The other thing that developed in parallel with this is the 'Kent feeling'. Kent has been described many times as an extended family, and students, staff and visitors alike all feel this when they come onto campus. Kent Sport has always tried to emulate this feeling. The design of buildings, with landscaping sympathetic to its surroundings, and the focus on
“Kent has been described as an extended family, and students, staff and visitors alike all feel this when they come onto campus.”
academic endeavour, along with it's early vision to provide an outstanding student experience with sport at its heart all combine to create a unique feeling that does not often exist elsewhere. There is a real sense of pride in being a Kent student and in having studied at Kent.
The original flooring in the Sports Centre main hall being laid in 1965/66.
“Kent Sport has always recognised that students are individuals first, and then form groups allied to their interests. This has been a very successful model.”
Students are often banded together as one group and Kent Sport has always recognised that students are individuals first, and then form groups allied to their interests. This has been a very successful model.
The creation of this demand brought with it a need for a facility development programme to match it. This has seen a number of new buildings created to cater for the increases in activity, and in student numbers. The proud traditions of playing sport in Kent, playing sport for Kent and of creating a superb sporting infrastructure at Kent will be carried forward as the sporting demands increase and change.
The first University of Kent football team at Canterbury, 1965.
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11 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
The number and quality of student teams has risen greatly as a result of the work that has gone before. The Inter College Sports Programme has also grown significantly (as has the number of colleges), but there has also been a significant increase in recreational sport and physical activity for those students who simply want to do something as an individual.
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Wayne Otto OBE
Why did you choose karate? A friend of mine came to school one day with a trophy. I looked at the trophy and instantly became jealous of him. So I said, ‘if you can get a trophy, I can get one.’ And that’s how it started. He put me in his karate club and I found out that getting that trophy was a lot more difficult than I thought. That’s really it. The look of a trophy, the desire to want one. And that was it. I was 14 at the time.
Sport: Karate Kent connection: Graduated in 1992 from the University of Kent, BSc Communications Engineering
Sporting Achievements 2012: Awarded an honorary degree from the University of Kent 2002: World Karate Championships Team Kumite Silver Medal 2001: Awarded an OBE for services to the sport of karate 2000: World Karate Championships Team Kumite Bronze Medal 1998: World Karate Championships Kumite Bronze Medal 1997: Became Britain's most successful karate exponent, gaining his ninth World Championship title at the World Cup Championships in Manila 1996: World Karate Championships Kumite Gold Medal 1994: World Karate Championships Team Kumite Silver Medal 1994: European Karate Championships Kumite Gold Medal 1993: World Games Gold Medal 1992: World Karate Championships Kumite Silver Medal 1991: European Karate Championships Kumite Gold Medal 1989: Co-founded University of Kent Karate Club 1988: European Karate Championships Kumite Gold Medal
“You have to believe in yourself 100% and more importantly you have to put in the work. Believing is not enough, you still have to put some work in.”
Wayne at the Kent Sport Ultimate Karate Fighter's Boot Camp 2014.
What piece of advice would you give aspiring athletes? The biggest piece of advice would be: self-belief. If you feel you can achieve something, then do everything in order to achieve that. And even if you don’t achieve your goal, at least you know within yourself that you did everything that you possibly could. And if you don’t achieve your goal and leave the sport, at least you have no regrets. You’ve done what you could. But you have to believe in yourself 100% and more importantly you have to put in the work. Believing is not enough. You still have to put some work in.
Barry McGuigan MBE
Sport: Athletics Kent connection: Born in Pembury
Sport: Boxing Kent connection: Kent resident
Sporting Achievements 2009: President of Commonwealth Games England 2008: Official Ambassador for Team GB 2005: Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) 2005: Named as Patron of the Kent 2012 Campaign 2005: Awarded an honorary degree from the University of Kent 2004: Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2004: Gold medals in both the 800m and 1500m in Athens 2003: Silver medal in the 800m at the World Championships held in Paris, France 2003: Silver medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships held in Birmingham, UK 2002: Bronze medal in the 800m at the European Athletics Championships held in Munich, Germany 2000: Bronze medal in the 800m in Sydney
Kelly was left with only six weeks to prepare for competition at Sydney 2000 after suffering from a virus. Nevertheless she gained a Bronze medal in the 800m.
Sporting Achievements 2007: President and Founder of the Professional Boxing Association (PBA) 2005: Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame 2000: Voted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame 1994: Awarded MBE 1985: Voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 1980: Represented Team Ireland at Moscow 1980; achieving 9th place in the Featherweight category 1978: Gold medal in the Bantamweight category at the XI Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton, Canada
Barry now manages boxers and is currently the manager of Irish Super Bantamweight prospect Carl Frampton.
13  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  The Past
Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, MBE
14 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
Mel Clewlow
Jacquie Edwards
Jennifer Wilson
Derek Underwood MBE
Sport: Hockey Kent Sport staff member Kent connection: Born in Dover
Sport: Rugby Kent Sport staff member Kent connection: Born in Beckenham
Sport: Hockey Kent connection: Canterbury Ladies Hockey Club
Sport: Cricket Kent connection: Born in Bromley
Sporting Achievements • 254 international caps for England and Great Britain 2008: Represented Team GB at Beijing, achieving 6th place 2007: Bronze medal at the EuroHockey Nations Championship held in Manchester, UK 2006: Named BBC South East Sports Personality of the Year 2002: Gold medal at the Hockey Champions Challenge in Johannesburg, South Africa 2000: Represented Team GB at Sydney, achieving 8th place 1999: Bronze medal at the EuroHockey Nations Championship held in Germany
Sporting Achievements 1997: European Championships Winner – Nice, France 1997: Home Nations Winner 1996: Home Nations Winner 1994: Sunday Times Sports Team of the Year Winner 1994: World Cup Winner – Edinburgh, Scotland 1993: Canada Cup Winner Edmonton, Canada
Sporting Achievements 2012: Represented Team South Africa in London, 10th place 2010: Represented Team South Africa at the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, 4th place 2008: Represented Team South Africa in Beijing, 11th place 2006: Represented Team South Africa at the XVIII Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, 8th place 2004: Represented Team South Africa in Athens, 9th place and joint top goal scorer 2002: Represented Team South Africa at the XVII Commonwealth Games, 5th place
Sporting Achievements 2009: Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame 2009: Appointed an Honorary Fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University 2008: Became President of Marylebone Cricket Club 1981: Awarded MBE for his services to the sport of cricket 1971: Took his 100th Test wicket and 1,000th first-class wicket 1963: Made his first-class debut against Yorkshire aged 17
Jason Plowman
Philip Birkett
Liam Abrahams
Sport: Trampolining Kent connection: Gillingham Jumpers
Sport: Trampolining University of Kent scholar
Sport: Trampolining University of Kent scholar
Sport: Trampolining University of Kent scholar
Sporting Achievements 2004: Represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Athens, achieving 7th place 2001-2007: Member of the Senior British Trampolining team 2000: 5th place in the DMT Team event at the Flanders Cup held in Belgium 1998: 8th place at the World Age Group Games held in Australia
Sporting Achievements • British team reserve for European and World Championships • BUCS Gold Medallist 2008/09: Awarded 'Outstanding Individual' by the University of Kent Sports department
Sporting Achievements 2011: Senior Men’s Synchronised British Silver Medallist 2011: BUCS Silver Medallist 2011: Wales International, Bronze Individual and Gold Synchro 2010: Came in the top two of every competition in the over 19 age group for the 2010 season 2008: Won the U17 National title
Sporting Achievements 2013: BUCS Silver medallist 2012: 18th FIG Senior world cup for Great Britain 2012: 3rd Senior Men’s at the British Championships 2011: BUCS Gold medallist 2010: BUCS Silver medallist 2009: 13th U19 World Age Group Championships
15 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
Gary Smith
16 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
The history of racquet sports Sports racquets have undergone many changes over the years. Used by players of badminton, squash, speed-ball or even pickleball; there are many variations and styles. Perhaps the most famous racquet sport, however, is tennis, and this is the racquet which has also seen the most innovations. Some people believe that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans played different versions of tennis. The theory goes that the name is derived from the Egyptian town of Tinnis alongside the Nile and the word racquet evolved from the Arabic word for palm of the hand, ‘rahat’. Most credit the first origins of the game to eleventh- or twelfthcentury French monks, who began playing a form of handball in their cloisters. The game evolved and took the name “jeu de paume”, which means “game of the hand”.
“The first rackets were strung with sheep's gut over a heavy wooden, slightly lopsided frame.”
Much later, in 1873, Walter C. Wingfield patented the rules for a game very similar to modern tennis and, very soon after in 1877, the All England Club held the first Wimbledon tournament. Wimbledon today pays homage to Wingfield’s contribution to tennis, with the Wingfield Restaurant located in the Centre Court Building. Tennis racquets have grown in size over the years due to a greater need for players to use the ‘sweet spot’ - the location at which the ball absorbs the
16th Century copper engraving of a game of Tennis in France.
maximum amount of the available forward momentum and rebounds away from the racquet with a greater velocity than if struck at any other point. The first racquets were strung with sheep’s gut over a heavy wooden, slightly lopsided frame. Eventually the head of the racquet righted itself to become the egg shaped frame that we know today. One key problem with these early wooden racquets was their material, wood. These needed a special brace to stop warping when not in use. Later designs used metals, such as aluminum, magnesium and titanium.
In the 1980’s racquets started to be designed for professionals. Racquets began to be constructed from stiffer frame materials such as mixed carbon fibres and plastic resin. The first ‘Widebody’ racquet was introduced by Wilson in 1987. The increased beam width allowing for more powerful shots by improving the resistance of the frame against the impact of the ball (ie. the frames stiffen on impact). Prince followed suit, unveiling their O3 technology in 2005 which promised to improve racquet speed by increasing the size of the string holes. It is a misnomer that tight strings mean more power. Actually it is the opposite as tight strings allow the ball to compress more, creating extra feel on the strings. Looser strings act as a ‘sling shot’ and provide more power for the player. Racquets will continue to evolve. Modern graphite racquets can last for years without a significant drop in performance and companies are today looking into strings that bruise before they break. A modern racquet designed by Babolat includes a gyroscope and accelerometer in the handle which collects data on performance power, and spin. All this information is recorded and synched to the player's smartphone.
The famous Centre Court, which plays host to the final of the annual Wimbledon tennis competition.
Special braces were used to prevent wooden racquets from warping, as shown in this image. These were in use until modern materials were introduced.
“A modern racquet designed by Babolat includes a gyroscope and accelerometer in the handle which collects data on performance, power and spin.”
17 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Past
Ceramic and graphite, however, were the best picks for being very stiff as well as reducing vibration. By the late 1960’s, Wilson had introduced the first commercial metal framed racquet which paved the way for increasingly bigger and lighter rackets. This made the sport much easier to play, especially for amateurs.
The Present
2014 is a hugely exciting time to be involved in sport at Kent. We are working hard to create an environment in which our students can thrive at all levels, and feel very much a part of the Kent Sport family.
20 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
Sport at Kent today Sport at Kent today looks very different from 50 years ago. In fact looking at the services and facilities on offer it is vastly different from just ten years ago. The exponential rise in numbers, with students entering higher education more knowledgeable on the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, added to the introduction of tuition fees has meant that Universities had to raise their game when providing facilities and services. Expectations are higher than ever before. Students are often referred to as customers, or guests, as well as being part of the student body. Kent Sport now has to deal with numbers that would be unimaginable when the University first started. In just October 2014 on our Canterbury campus, the number of booked student visits (i.e. processed for a specific sport or activity) would more than fill Wembley Stadium. The facilities now available cover more acreage than any other department, including grass playing fields, archery, two artificial floodlit pitches, tennis/ netball courts, three court indoor tennis/netball centre, double sports hall, two single sports halls, superb 900sqm strength and conditioning facility, 300sqm dividable state of the art dance studio, squash courts and indoor and outdoor cricket nets. The facilities also contain meeting rooms and teaching rooms.
“In just October 2014 on our Canterbury campus, the number of booked student visits would more than fill Wembley stadium.”
The number of specific programmes now maintained within the University is vast: • BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Inter University Competition • Inter College - Internal University Competition between colleges • Intramural - variety of internal competitions • Let's Play - Sport England funded programme designed for those who currently do no sport • 50:50 - 50 separate sports events across 50 weeks as part of our 50th anniversary year • Vice Chancellor's Cup - internal monthly sports competition for University staff • Fitness and dance programmes • Sports Scholarship Programme run by doubleOlympian and Sports Development Manager Mel Clewlow To give you an idea of scale, in football alone there are nearly 30 internal 11-a-side teams, and around 50 five-a-side teams taking part in some of these competitions. Sport in universities today is a big business with many responsibilities. Student health and wellbeing is of great importance considering the many stresses they face across an academic year. Sport is the best single way of preventing or reducing many of those stresses. By encouraging a lifelong habit of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, Kent Sport hope to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow to encourage and perhaps incentivise their own work forces to do the same.
Sport: Athletics Kent connection: Attended Dartford Grammar School
Sporting Achievements 2012: Represented Team GB at London 2012; achieving 3rd place in Heat 3 of the Men’s 100m semi-final 2012: World Junior Champion in the 100m 2012: Achieved a qualifying time for the London 2012 Olympics winning the 100m at Sparkassen Gala held in Regensburg, Germany 2011: Gold medal in the 200m at the National Junior Athletic League finals held in Derby, UK 2011: Silver medals in the 100m sprint and 4x100m relay at the European Athletics Junior Championships held in Tallinn, Estonia
Formerly a football player, Adam played as a defender for Football League Two team Dagenham & Redbridge, and joined Thurrock on loan at the end of August 2011. He was previously a youth player at Chelsea from the age of eight onwards for seven years, and spent a year at Reading.
Lizzy Yarnold MBE Sport: Skeleton Kent connection: Born in Sevenoaks
Sporting Achievements 2014: Appointed an MBE in the 2014 Honours list for services to skeleton racing 2014: Won a Gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2013-14: Won a Gold medal at the skeleton World Cup 2012: Won a Bronze medal at the World Championships in Lake Placid 2010: Won her first official race at the Europa Cup in Innsbruck, followed by another win the following day 2008: Introduced to the sport of skeleton racing
Lizzy's gold at the Sochi Winter Olympics was the tenth gold medal ever achieved by British athletes in 90 years of Winter Olympics competition. It also ensured that Great Britain had won a medal in the Women's Skeleton in every Winter Olympics since the event was introduced.
21 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
Adam Gemili
22 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
Jasmin Pomeroy
Samuel Holbert
Rebecca Barton-Hager
Leigh Weatheridge
Sport: Karate University of Kent scholar
Sport: Karate University of Kent scholar
Sport: Karate University of Kent scholar
Sport: Power lifting University of Kent scholar
Sporting Achievements 2013: London Open Silver Champions Cup 2013: London Open Gold Seniors 2012: British Karate Championships Bronze Kumite 16-17 Open 2012: English Karate Champion Kumite 16-17 +59kg 2012: Polish Open Champion 2011: French Open Bronze medallist 2009: Welsh All Styles Championships Silver Kumite 2008: World Junior Kumite Champion, Zurich 2008: Silver Kata medallist at World championships, Zurich 2007: European Bronze medallist, Rome, Kata and Kumite
Sporting Achievements 2014: European Silver in individual kumite U75kg, Silver for team rotation kumite (3 person) and Silver for team shobu sanbon kumite (5 person) 2013: International Karate Union, World Championships, Italy – 1st place (under 70kg – under 18) 2013: British International Karate Open – 1st place (under 70kg – cadets under 18) 2013: Karate Sport England National Open – 1st place (under 70kg – cadets under 18) 2012: World Union of KarateDo Federations, World Championships, Serbia – 1st place (under 65kg – under 18)
Sporting Achievements 2012: WUKF World Championships, Serbia; Bronze Medal in Team Sanbon, Gold Medal in Team Rotation (All in the Female Cadet Open Weight 15-17 years) 2010: World Union of KarateDo Federations European Championships, Romania; Bronze Medal in Individual, Silver Medal in Team Sanbon, Gold Medal in Team Rotation (All Cadet Female Open Weight 15-17 years) 2010 to 2014: Rebecca has won at junior level 12 Gold medals, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze and at senior level 5 Gold medals, 7 Silver and 4 Bronze
Sporting Achievements 2012: All England National Power lifting Competition – 1st Place • U18 and U20 Bench press (multiple discipline) British record at 72kg • U18, U20 and U23 Deadlift British record at 72kg • U18, U20 and U23 Total Weight lifted British record at 72kg 2012: East Midlands Power Lifting Competition – 1st Place • U18 and U20 Deadlift British record at 84kg (national) 2012: East Midlands Bench Press competition – 1st Place • U18 and U20 Bench Press (single discipline) – British record at 72kg (National)
Mel Clewlow is the Sports Development Manager at the University of Kent and a professional hockey player. She has also participated at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games both on and off the pitch. Mel first became interested in hockey at the age of 11 at Sir Roger Manwoods Grammar School based in Sandwich. It wasn’t long before Mel was representing England at junior age group level. She played England U16, U18 and U21 before making her senior debut in Ireland in 1996.
“Mel is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the country and still competes at the highest domestic level possible.”
Over a senior career that spanned 13 years, Mel achieved 254 international hockey caps competing for England and Great Britain during this time. Now aged 38, Mel is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the country and still competes at the highest domestic level possible. In addition to her pre-season preparation for the forthcoming national premier league hockey season, which sees Canterbury Ladies competing in Europe next Easter, Mel was commentating at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Mel is the perfect candidate to commentate at the games, having played at three Commonwealth Games (1998 – 2006) and coming away with three medals. The game of hockey is constantly evolving with new rules being introduced and broadcasting this to the world really is a great attribute to have.
Mel celebrates scoring an equaliser against Argentina at the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing.
Mel's most recent trip was the Champions Trophy in Argentina in November where the top six teams in the world played against each other. This was another opportunity to promote the game of hockey and entice more young athletes to take part. Having finished her international playing career in 2008, Mel can now be heard regularly commentating at a number of hockey events across the world including the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
23 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
University of Kent staff spotlight
24 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
Susannah Townsend
Natasha Brennan
Natalie Seymour
Adam Ball
Sport: Hockey University of Kent elite scholar
Sport: Rugby University of Kent former hockey scholar
Sport: Triathlon University of Kent former hockey scholar
Sport: Cricket University of Kent scholar
Sporting Achievements Currently a member of the England and Great Britain centralised hockey programme based at Bisham Abbey which is in full time training in the build up to Rio 2016 2014: Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist 2014: World Cup Squad 2013: European Silver Medallist 2013: World League Bronze Medallist
Sporting Achievements 2014: World Cup Gold Medal winner with England women’s rugby union team 2013 to 14: Member of the England Women’s Rugby 7s team scoring 16 tries in only 12 games in the World series 2007: Hockey Gold medal at Youth Olympics
Sporting Achievements 2012: Silver medal at the Champions Trophy 2011: Bronze medals at the European Cup and Champions Trophy 2010: Bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Champions Trophy 2009: Bronze medal at the European Cup 2007: Gold medal at the youth Olympics
Sporting Achievements • Plays at Kent County Cricket Club • Named England U19 captain • Reached the Twenty20 quater-finals with Kent Spitfires 2007: Selected for the U19 World Cup in New Zealand, aged just 16
Sport: Fencing University of Kent scholar
Geraint Jones MBE Sport: Cricket Kent connection: Played for Kent County Cricket Club
Sporting Achievements 2014: UK School Games representing England - 1st 2014: Selected for Team GB to compete at the U20 World Cup in Leszno, Poland 2014: Top 16 at the British Selection Circuit competition in London 2014: British Youth Championships - 5th 2014: Eastern Region Championships - 2nd 2013: Competed at the Eden World Cup for Great Britain 2013: Honoured with the Newham Swords Special Achievement award 2013: London Youth Games - 1st 2013: Eastern Region Championships - 5th
Sporting Achievements 2012: Played for Papua New Guinea in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers 2006/07: Selected for the England team in the Ashes Series 2006: Awarded MBE in the Honours list for his role in the successful Ashes series in 2005 2005: Part of the England team who went on to win the Ashes series 2004/05: Took part in all of England's test matches during the Winter tour of South Africa 2004: Hit a test match century against New Zealand 2004: England wicket-keeper during the tour of the West Indies
Michael is a competent fencer who has set himself goals of reaching the Junior Commonwealth games as well as reaching the major European and World Championships in the future.
On 13 July 2006, during England's first Test with Pakistan, Jones became the world-record holder for most Test innings played without having scored a duck (46 innings). Jones went on to make a further five innings before failing to score in his 52nd innings. Having batted fifty one times without registering a duck, he then bagged a pair in his final two Test innings.
25  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  The Present
Michael Koudou
26 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
Research on competitive cycling Professor Louis Passfield Professor Louis Passfield has been head of the SSES since 2007 and before this time worked as a sports scientist with British Cycling. Louis is currently on study leave with the School of Statistical Sciences at UCL. When I was young I wanted to win the Tour de France. It was even the reason I went to university. My plan was to study sports science and apply this knowledge to my own bike training. During my time as a student I came to learn that the simple questions I posed about how to train effectively were not easily answered with sports science. Nonetheless upon graduating I made it to an Olympic training camp, dining at the same table as Sir Steve Redgrave no less. On this camp I can remember how I was impressed by the way the Great Britain cycling team dominated their bike race. But these were only young junior raw talents, yet they were powering away on their bikes in a manner I could not match. Fortunately, I was there as a sports scientist not a rider and I realised that for all my training I had more talent for sports science than cycling. A quarter of a century later and I am privileged to still study and research the process of training. Today in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
“Upon graduating I made it to an Olympic training camp, dining at the same table as Sir Steve Redgrave no less.”
I am part of its Endurance Research Group, probably the largest group of its kind in the world. Some of the research that we have performed was unthinkable 25 years ago when I first started out in sports science. We have made riders contract their leg muscles by directly stimulating their brain. We did this to show that their brain rather than their legs can limit their performance. When we were concerned about riders’ legs we have investigated the composition of their muscles directly. In a recent study we managed to persuade 40 participants to let us biopsy a small sample of their muscle for analysis. Our 40 participants were deliberately chosen to be young and old, trained and untrained cyclists. By comparing results across these groups we found that the trained cyclists had more slowtwitch muscles.
Of course sometimes we would rather save riders from extensive experimentation altogether. Bradley Wiggins wants to use the fastest pacing strategy possible in a time-trial. Should he produce a consistent effort throughout a race, go harder up the hills, and easier down, or vice versa? When Chris Hoy chooses his tactics in a sprint, he needs to decide whether to start his sprint early or late, whether to lead from the front, or to come from behind. Clearly getting Brad and Chris to go through all the different possible permutations before each race might not leave them in the best shape to compete afterwards. Our Endurance Research Group has developed an alternative method, which is to use a mathematical model instead. Now with the press of a button we can run any number of different computer simulations, changing riders, courses and tactics in order to determine the best options for Britain’s top cyclists to compete successfully. Earlier this year the Tour de France held its Grand Depart in Leeds Yorkshire. As cycling is such a significant aspect of our research, staff and students of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences were keen to celebrate the occasion. Therefore we organised a World Congress of Cycling Science in Leeds to coincide with the start of the Tour. The conference provided a chance for our Endurance Research Group to showcase the best of its cycling related research. It also brought together cycling experts from around the world.
“Perhaps the highlight of our time in Leeds though was that we were able to promote science and cycling at a local level too.”
Louis presenting cycling related research at the Leeds Conference, 2014.
We were privileged that many of the world's leading sports scientists, cycling coaches and medical practitioners gathered in Leeds for our conference on the science behind cycling performance. Perhaps the highlight of our time in Leeds though was that we were also able to promote science and cycling at a local level too. Alongside the conference we ran an event for 150 primary school children, who came and took part in a number of science and cycling themed practical demonstrations and competitions. After the conference, as the Tour de France riders warmed up, we held an open evening for members of the public to come and learn more too. At these events I had to admit that I still did not have the answers to those simple questions about training that first motivated me to study sports science. However, for the first time in my career, through the work of the Endurance Research Group I can see how cycling science might lead us in the right direction. And everyone could benefit from knowing how to exercise or train more effectively, not just elite cyclists.
27 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Present
But that aging had no effect on this muscle composition. Further, the older cyclists had similar fitness to their young but untrained counterparts. Regular cycling had saved our older riders from the effects of more than 35 years of aging.
The Future
As a sportsperson you never stop striving to improve, to achieve new goals and to overcome all obstacles to success. At the University of Kent rest assured that we are always looking to evolve, and work with our partners to provide the best possible environment in which our sportsmen and women can thrive. We will never relent on creating opportunities for people to better their lives through sport.
30 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Future direction of sport at Kent Graham Holmes The platform has been built and the stage is set. Student numbers are high, student expectations are higher, student demand for sport and leisure is greater, and current footfalls are the highest we've ever had. A few challenges there then. But this is all a result of being successful, and servicing the growing demand with plans to continually meet those needs. So what's next? New buildings and staff along with services within those buildings take years to visualise, design, build and fill, and all have to be part of the long term plan for the University that fits in with its overall strategic vision. There are also facilities that are not logical to build on campus, such as rowing, golf, sailing among others. The University already has a number of partners we work with in those sports and activities. The next logical step is to build upon the existing partnerships and sports we have links with, and create new ones in other sports that we do not provide on campus. These partnerships will work two ways in that those clubs could provide facilities and services that we do not currently offer, and in return we can provide the same to those clubs. A win- win situation. In the long term, the intention is to build more of these partnerships in order to provide the widest possible set of opportunities for our students.
“The main facility and service that the University does not currently provide, and has been on 'the list' ever since the inception of the University, is that of a swimming pool. This is a must.”
I also envisage working more with academic departments to take students away from campus, and away from their normal day to day environments (for example to adventurous training centres, mountain regions, leadership development centres) for resource and initiative training to develop advanced leadership and/or management skills. Some of these areas could be generic across a number of subject areas and I am keen to explore this in the long term. This is something we could also provide to the thousands of staff working for the University, and eventually to the wider community. The list of new ideas will continue, and always have the best interests of our students in mind. However, the main facility and service that the University does not currently provide, and has been on 'the list' ever since the inception of the University, is a swimming pool. This is a must, and is discussed separately on page 35. However, a page on the future direction of Sport at Kent would not be complete without reference to the most popular activity in any leisure facility, the most requested facility at the University, the one activity that appeals to the widest range of the population and yet is still the one thing we do not provide. With careful planning, innovative thinking and prudent business planning, this can be achieved for the benefit of all students and staff at Kent. Rest assured that we will continue to work relentlessly towards creating more and better sporting opportunities for all.
Kent Sport has many partners delivering sporting opportunities for all. One of our key partners, Team Kent, formally the Sports Federation, part of Kent Union, works with Kent Sport and manages the main University Student Sports Clubs. University of Kent Sabbatical Officers Nina Mehmi, Kent Union Vice-President for Sport Team Kent has over 50 sports clubs, ranging from rugby, to trampolining to kendo. We are proud to say that we provide opportunities for everybody that wants to get involved in sport whilst studying here at Kent. As Team Kent we are always looking for ways to increase participation, have well run sports clubs, and ensure all our volunteers are well supported. We have a real community of sport here at Kent. For many sport is not only a hobby, or a pastime, but is the one thing that is fundamental to their experience whilst at university, it certainly was for me. Sport at Kent has a very exciting future, and it is a privilege to be involved in the process. I would love to have more students actively engaging in sport, to see the facilities continuing to develop and grow, so that students involved in sport become a central part of the university.
1978/79: Marian O'Neill 1979/80: Reg Koster 1980/81: Andrew Dodgshon 1981/82: Johnathon Roberts 1982/83: Frances Horne 1983/84: Julian Hackling 1984/85: Clive Roberts 1985/86: Hugh Samuelson 1986/87: Chris Lane 1987/88: Scott Moen 1988/89: Mike McCarthy 1989/90: Steve Paterson 1990/91: David Lewis 1991/92: Phil Rowley 1992/93: Ross Walker 1993/94: Graham Razey 1994/95: Simon Carter 1995/96: Ben Carswell 1996/97: Elly Van Nijkerk 1997/98: Eleanor Abrahams 1998/99: Dominic O'Connor 1999/00: Ben Maher
2000/01: Trudi Else 2001/02: Jon Brasse 2002/03: Tim Klimcke 2003/04: Kirsty Williams 2004/05: Stephen Lamyman 2005/06: Chris Best 2006/07: Achike Ofodile 2007/08: Tom Marsh 2008/09: Caroline Robbins 2009/10: James Budge 2010/11: Issy Lloyd 2011/12: Hannah Davis 2012/13: Matt Harris 2013/14: Chris Bull 2014/15: Nina Mehmi
2015 - 2064: Could this be you?
31  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  The Future
Sports Federation: future of student sport at Kent
32 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Bobby Clay
Alex Clay
Sport: Athletics Kent connection: Trains at the University of Kent
Sport: Athletics Kent connection: Trains at the University of Kent
Sporting Achievements • 1st in the Edinburgh International Cross Country for GB as an under 20 (at only 16 years) • 1st in the 1500m representing GB in the Diamond League in Switzerland • 8th in the World Juniors, GB Under 20's - 1500m • UK 3000m fastest time - 9:13 • UK 1500m 2nd fastest time - 4:16 • UK 800m 4th Fastest Time - 2:05
Bobby is coached by Peter Mullervy at Invicta East Kent Athletics Club in Canterbury. Bobby joined the club when she was 7 years old with her sister Alex and her mum. Bobby trains 6 days a week, her rest day being her worst day of the week! Bobby completes her strength and conditioning at the University of Kent sports facilities.
Sporting Achievements • 2nd in the Edinburgh International Cross Country for GB as an under 20 • 2nd in the Cardiff Cross Country Challenge • 1st in the Brussels Cross Country Champs • 2nd in the Inter County Championships • UK 5000m fastest time - 16:30 • 8th in the European Athletics Under 20's - 5000m for GB • Competed in the 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Championships for GB in Poland
Alex is part of Invicta East Kent Athletic Club, her coach is Peter Mullervy. Alex trains 6 days a week of which 2/3 of these sessions are at the club in conjunction with strength and conditioning sessions at the University of Kent sports facilities.
Abbie Wyver
Sport: Paralympian B2 skier Kent connection: Trains at the University of Kent
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics Kent connection: City of Canterbury Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Sporting Achievements • Millie was the GB flag bearer for the Winter Paralympics in Sochi 2014 at the age of 15 • She is the youngest person ever to compete for ParalympicsGB • She competed in the slalom completing both of her runs and finishing fifth, and competed in the giant slalom again finishing fifth • She is in the development squad of the British Disabled Ski Team heading for the 2018 Winter Paralympics at South Korea
Sporting Achievements • Abbie Wyver has been selected into the GB youth squad after competing at a very high level for a number of years • She has competed in the British finals since 2011 and in 2014 she finished in 1st place in the British Championships 3rd year junior category. This achievement is even more impressive as she finished 1st in all the disciplines (hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon)
Millie was Britain's youngest-ever winter Paralympian after being selected for the ParalympicsGB team for Sochi 2014. She was also selected as the Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony.
Abbie trains between 21-25 hours a week whilst continuing to also excel academically. She has attended three GB training camps this year and is now targeting selection for the senior team in the Commonwealth Games of 2018.
33 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Millie Knight
34 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Future sporting facilities Graham Holmes In 2012/13, we had 6,500 student members at Canterbury (not including users at Medway, staff or community members). In 2013/14, this rose to 7,500 student members and is a clear signal that sport at Kent is probably the most successful single area in encouraging student activity and engagement. Current plans The next phase of developments have just been intiated and we hope construction will begin in 2015: • Third artificial floodlit pitch – giving students much more opportunity for sporting activities • Cycle lodge – giving students access to outdoor bikes, via membership or cycle hire • Squash court conversion – creating additional multi-purpose exercise space. This will leave two squash courts which will convert to glass backs as soon as budget allows These developments will allow more students to be more active, more often. It is the most efficient use of the space we have and allows students access to a larger sporting area. At the same time, we are not compromising on quality. Grass pitches Our long-term goals include creating new sports pitches by utilising adjacent land. Some pitches will replace others lost due to building works over the last few years. With the intention to have a positive balance of pitches long-term, this will align with the
“These developments will allow more students to be more active, more often.”
The University is surrounded by green space, with opportunity for further development.
increasing numbers of our Inter College, Intramural and Team Kent teams. Off-campus activites Moving forward, I will be putting greater emphasis on off-campus activities for things we cannot recreate or develop on-campus. For example, I have started early negotiations with golf clubs, water sports clubs, athletics clubs, skiing companies; and I’m also looking into rambling, hill walking and mountaineering amongst other activities. All of this will take time and is a slow work in progress, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to create a fantastic range of high-quality leisure opportunities for every member of the University of Kent family.
The need for a swimming pool This subject arises, by a large margin, more than any other aspect of sport at Kent. It is the most popular activity in any leisure facility, is the one in greatest demand, and yet, is the one facility we do not offer. With growing competition amongst universities and rising student expectations, a swimming pool is simply a campus ‘must have’ if we are serious about creating an exceptional student experience. • It is the most attractive activity for non-traditional sports people and more likely to engage those who don’t ordinarily take part in sports • Prospective students at open days do not ask ‘have you got a pool?’ They ask ‘where is the pool?’ • A significant proportion of universities now have swimming pools • A swimming pool complementing the existing range of sports facilities on campus would be highly attractive for prospective students when selecting their university • Swimming is one of the most beneficial types of exercise. The positive impact it has on health and wellbeing is well documented • Wet facilities are a great aid to recruitment, a wonderful stress reliever for current students and staff and would be a showcase for the University’s commitment to its student needs and to their wellbeing
Architectural concept drawings of the University of Kent swimming pool.
35 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Swimming pool
36  Kent's Sporting Legends 2014  The Future
Technology and sport Innovation in technology has influenced and enabled the development of sport. Here we take a look at some of the technology in use at Kent Sport and beyond. Technology at Kent Sport Kent Sport has had its fair share of innovative changes over the years. Our 3G pitch was one of the first to be installed in the UK. Older pitch grass blades had been made from polypropylene which is a harder substance, but 3G pitches are made from polyethylene which is softer and more 'rubbery' causing less grazes to players. 2015 will bring yet another remarkable pitch innovation for Kent Sport as the 3G pitches get an upgrade to a new cross sectional design of grass blade. These are still polyethylene but will have kinks along the length of the blade. The kinks give much greater longitudinal strength and mean the blades will 'standup' better. Other innovations have been making it easier and more enjoyable for our members to work out in our extensive fitness suite. Gone are the days when you would have to fight over the machines in front of the TV screens. Today all CV stations are fitted with touch-screens that allow access to over 20 Freeview channels as well as offering the option for users to plug in their own media. These screens allow Kent Sport to share important news and messages with our members.
The 3G pitches at the Pavilion have proved a popular addition to the Kent Sport facilities.
Technology in competition The very way in which we judge sporting achievements today has changed radically in the last half century. Every millisecond counts towards a medal and record-breaking achievement. In 2010 during the Vancouver Olympics, OMEGA, the official timekeeper for the Olympics, launched their new electronic gun system. Previously a start pistol would have been used and this sound, although only by a fraction, could take longer to reach the outer lane athletes therefore putting them at a slight disadvantage. OMEGA developed a new system which transmitted sound from a central
Electronic technology is also increasingly being used in how we measure success in the competition. Since 2012 electronic sensors have been built into Taekwondo competitor’s socks and uniform to measure the impact of blows and calculate accuracy.
Technology for the athlete The 2012 London Olympics were a key moment for sporting innovation, particularly in the Paralympics. Although the ‘Flex-Foot Cheetah’, light-weight carbon fibre ‘running blades’, had been around since 1996 the London Games brought the technology to public attention and admiration. This innovation in assistive sporting technology allowed amputee athletes to participate in competitions at a level never seen before.
“Every millisecond counts towards a medal and recordbreaking achievement.”
Technology for the audience In the UK, the needs of the viewer have even influenced the technologies of the sport itself. In 1986 Wimbledon replaced the traditional white tennis balls with new yellow balls which were more visible for the BBC television cameras. Formula 1 fans can now feel as much a part of the action as the drivers themselves during a race. Cameras placed inside the cars allow viewers to see the driver’s perspective and listen to communication between driver and crew. With all these innovations we can only imagine how technology will influence sport in the future.
The carbon fibre 'running blades' as seen at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
37 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
electronic gun to speakers stationed behind each athlete meaning that all competitors would hear exactly the same noise at exactly the same time.
38 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Donations will count towards coaching and equipment for University of Kent sportsmen/women.
Support facilities development Contribute towards our long-term aims to build new facilities such as a swimming pool, sports pitches, martial arts facilities and a climbing wall. The facilities available to a student are crucial towards their university experience and provide the opportunity for development and achievements.
Supporting the future of student sport at Kent For those with great pride in the University of Kent and with fond memories of the time spent here, some of those memories may be sporting ones.
Project 100 aims to: • Re-engage with all who enjoyed sport while studying at Kent, during the last 50 years • Reach out to ask you to contribute to those who will do sport at Kent over the next 50 years • Use every penny raised towards sporting projects benefitting our future students here at Kent A small annual contribution will go a long way to help enhance our students’ sporting experience.
You can be a part of making this happen, and become a Friend of Kent Sport as a result. To donate or for more information, visit www.kent.ac.uk/sports/p100
Sport breaks down barriers, is non-political, laughs in the face of adversity and unites people in a way that nothing else can. You can make a difference to Kent students by inspiring and supporting current and future student sporting success.
Support student experience
Kent Sport can make a tangible difference to our current and future students’ lives during their time at university. We would like every student who comes to Kent over the next 50 years to have a superb experience, to still feel part of the University upon leaving, and we will do everything we can to support this.
Donating to Project 100 will help support future students achieve their sporting goals.
The University of Kent is committed to delivering sporting excellence and proudly offers scholarships to students who study at both the Canterbury and the Medway campuses.
Mel Clewlow, Sports Development Manager
All applicants must already demonstrate outstanding ability within their chosen sport and be prepared to commit fully to the scholarship programme and to representing the University in BUCS competitions.
This wealth of experience is used to mentor and inspire sports scholars of all levels. Mel Clewlow said “I am proud to be a part of this scheme as it is a prime example of how commitment, dedication and hard work can help individuals achieve their personal goals. We have many former scholars who now compete at World and Olympic level and it is exciting to know that the University played a part in their sporting pathway.” The scholarship scheme is split into four different levels and the table opposite represents the benefits of each level.
The scholarship programme is led by double Olympian and Sports Development Manager Mel Clewlow who has 254 international hockey caps in a career that spanned 13 years. •
•
•
The application process is open from December through until April each year Each funding level is based on attendances within each category mentioned opposite All strength and conditioning coaches are UKSCA accredited
Fitness testing
Kent Sport membership
Expenses Nutrition and psychology advice
Funding level per year
Supervised weekly strength and conditioning sessions
Elite - Current Senior International with Olympic potential
Up to £5,000
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tier 1 - Age Group International standard
Up to £2,000
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tier 2 - National standard
£750
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tier 3 - County standard
£300
✓
✓
✓
✓
39 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 The Future
Kent Sport Scholarship Programme
40 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Kent County Council
Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service The Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service is a team within Kent County Council and also acts as the County Sport Partnership for Kent, combining resources from Sport England, with those of Kent County Council and partner funding from other local authority partners. Commonly known as Kent Sport, the Service aims to co-ordinate sport and physical activity opportunities with partners across the county, to encourage more people to become more active and lead healthier lifestyles, whilst also supporting those with talent to progress in their sport. In particular, Kent Sport works with partners to: • Provide information on sport and physical activity opportunities; • Increase participation by adults and young people, in order to improve the health of the population in Kent; • Co-ordinate programmes and opportunities for young people, including the Kent School Games and Sainsbury’s School Games; • Support the voluntary sector, including Governing Bodies of Sport, coaches, clubs and volunteers; • Develop opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity; • Attract funding for sport and physical activity, including for facility development projects; • Support the development of talented performers; • Support sports events in the county.
Our success in numbers: • 10,216 11-25 year olds participating in the Sportivate programme • 850 coaches registered on the Kent Coaches Register • 1,600 talented performers in Kent supported in the last six years • Over 3,000 new beginner Runners involved in the Run Kent project, with 12 ParkRun opportunities developed across the County • 6350 children and young people involved in Kent School Games and Sainsbury's School Games Finals events in 2014 • £2.8m of external funding brought into sport in Kent in 2013/14 We are delighted to support the University of Kent in this celebration of sporting success and congratulate it on its 50th Anniversary and on the continuing success of its Sports Scholarship scheme.
We encourage more people to be active, whilst also supporting those with talent to progress in their sport.
The Kent School Games - a biennial event since 2008 - is an important part of our programme with twin aims to encourage a love and enthusiasm for sport amongst young people aged 4-16 years, which we hope will last a lifetime; and to give young people the opportunity to compete in their own well organised and enjoyable competitions.
There are 16 School Games Organisers working across Kent to deliver the School Games and Change4Life programmes at local level, which lead into the Finals events.
In 2014, there were 65 Finals events run across 20 days in 12 different venues catering for 35 different sporting activities – a logistical feat if ever there was and in no small part only achievable due to the excellent partners working together across the County.
The Kent School Games has become one of the largest school sports competitions in Europe and has been used as a model for the government's National School Games initiative sponsored by Sainsbury's, which has been run annually since 2012.
Kent School Games 2014, held at the University of Kent's extensive sporting facilities. Over 1000 children took part in the grand final and showcase event.
They work hard to raise the awareness of school sport by introducing young people to a range of different sports and activities which will not only improve their health and well-being but also bring new experiences.
41 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Kent County Council
Kent School Games – encouraging Kent’s young people to be active
F.A.N.S
Free Access for National Sportspeople 42 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Kent County Council
Supporting talented performers Kent FANS scheme (Free Access for National Sportspeople) – supporting Kent’s talented performers to reach their potential. Supporting talented sports performers to develop has been a key area of work for a number of years. However, this has not been solely to support those individuals but also to recognise those who progress to the highest levels as positive role models for others and particularly for young people to strive to be the best they can be and to lead active lifestyles. Who can forget the pride that we all felt when Kelly Holmes won double Gold in Athens, or more recently when Lizzy Yarnold won Gold at the Sochi Winter Olympics earlier this year – they are positive role models for others but more importantly they are local people who provide inspiration for so many others. Over 1600 performers have been supported by Kent County Council to compete at a national level over the past 6 years. One of the ways in which performers are supported is via the Kent FANS scheme (Free Access for National Sportspeople). The scheme was established in 1998 to support the County’s leading talented and elite sports performers and is delivered in partnership with the borough, district and city councils in Kent.
“Who can forget the pride that we all felt when Kelly Holmes won double Gold in Athens, or more recently when Lizzy Yarnold won Gold at the Sochi Winter Olympics.”
The support available includes: free access at off peak times to 62 leisure and sports facilities across the county for training, discounts on kit and equipment, physiotherapy, sports massage, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, and sport science support / testing in partnership with the universities in Kent. Small grants are also available to FANS members who are in full-time education. To be eligible for support performers must reside in Kent, be performing in a sport recognised by Sport England, and meet one or more of the following criteria: • Currently members of a national team or squad • Currently listed in the top 10 of any national age group ranking • Successful in any national age group competition (top 10 finish), in the last 12 months There are currently over 500 members of the Kent FANS scheme competing nationally in a wide range of sports including: archery, athletics, boxing, curling, cycling, fencing, hockey, judo, korfball, rowing, sailing, skiing, swimming, table tennis and triathlon. Currently the oldest member of the scheme is an 84 year old indoor rower and the youngest is a seven year old cyclist, both are ranked in the top 10 nationally within their respective age groups. For further information about the Kent FANS scheme please visit: www.kentsport.org/excellence
Kate Curran
Helshan Weerasinghe
Jemima Yeats-Brown
Sport: Table tennis Part of the Kent FANS scheme
Sport: Triathlon Part of the Kent FANS scheme
Sport: Table tennis Part of the Kent FANS scheme
Sport: Judo Part of the Kent FANS scheme
Sporting Achievements 2012: Bronze medal in the Men’s Team event class 6-8 at London 2012 2012: Gold medal in the Class 8 Singles event at the Slovenian Open 2012: Gold medal in the Class 8 Singles event at the Slovakian Open 2012: Gold medal in the Class 8 Team event at the Chinese Open 2012: Gold medal in the Class 8 Team event and silver medal in the Class 8 Singles at the Lignano Master Open 2011: Silver medal in the Class 8 Singles event at the European Championships held in Croatia 2011: Bronze medal in the Class 8 Team event at the British Open Para Table Tennis Championships 2011: Gold medal in the Class 8 Team event and Silver medal in the Class 8 Singles event at the Brazilian Open
Sporting Achievements 2014: National Triathlon Championships - 3rd place 2014: Competed in the European Triathlon Championships in Austria 2014: World Duathlon Championships in Spain - 11th place 2013: Represented GB at the World Triathlon Championships in London 2013: Ottawa ITU Duathlon World Champs - Bronze medal 2013: Virgin Active London Triathlon Bronze medal 2013: European Duathlon Championships - 4th place 2013: British Elite Duathlon Champion 2012: National Super Series Champion 2012: GB Youth Relay – Bronze medal 2012: IRC Champion 2012: National Duathlon Champion 2011: GB Youth Relay – Silver medal
Sporting Achievements 2014: Won the junior boys' singles at the Tees Active Stockton-on-Tees Junior 4 Star Open 2014: Silver medal in the singles and gold medal in the doubles at the Croatia Junior and Cadet Open 2014: National Junior Masters Individual Event winner 2013/14: Junior English National champion - Individual and Doubles 2013: Malta Open - Team and Doubles champion and bronze medalist in the Individual event 2013: UK Schools Games triple champion - Individual, Team, Overall 2012: Junior Singles silver medallist and mixed doubles winner 2011: English National Championships - Cadet Boys Singles & Doubles winner
Sporting Achievements 2014: Bronze medal at Junior World Championships in Fort Lauderdale 2014: Bronze medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 2014: Bronze medal at the Junior World Cup in Lithuania 2013: Silver medal at the African World Cup in Mauritius 2013: 5th place at the Junior European Championships 2013: European Cup in Austria - Bronze medal 2013: European Cup in Ukraine - Gold medal 2013: European Cup in Lithuania - Gold medal 2013: Senior Irish Open Championships in Belfast - Gold medal 2012: Silver medal in Junior European Cup in Portugal
43 Kent's Sporting Legends 2014 Kent County Council
Ross Wilson
More people More active More often Kent Sport Sports Centre University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NL 01227 823 245 email: sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/sports
For Kent's Sporting Legends event photographs, news and to share your memories of sport at Kent, please visit: www.kent.ac.uk/sports/kentsportinglegends
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