Team Derby Builds On Sports Success With National Award Win
18 July 2012
Chloé Farmer, Athletic Union President at the University of Derby Students' Union.
...I am delighted we have won this award, it is recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by both students and staff.
”Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive of the University of Derby and Chair of the University's Sports Management Board.
Students competing for Team Derby have topped off a year of sporting success after scooping the award for 'Most Improved University' at the 2012 British Universities and Colleges Sport league (BUCS) Awards.
Hosted by Olympic medallist and BBC Olympic Swimming Correspondent Steve Parry, the awards ceremony took place last Thursday 12 July at the University of Exeter's new Forum building as part of the annual BUCS conference.
Team Derby's award is based on a combination of an increase in BUCS points, awarded to clubs and individuals based on final finishing positions in their corresponding leagues and performance, and an improvement of the institution's overall ranking when compared with the previous year.
The University of Derby moved from 104th in 2011 to 77th in 2012 and has set a target to achieve Top 50 by 2015, having started at 108th when Team Derby launched in 2009.
Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: "As Chair of the Sports Management Board I am delighted we have won this award, it is recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by both students and staff. We committed to becoming a Top 75 by 2013 and Top 50 by 2015, so to be 77th in 2012 gives us a timely boost and also great confidence we will achieve our target. We will continue to support enhancing participation and performance of sports which will give our students a good mix of experience and opportunities."
Chloé Farmer, Athletic Union President at the University of Derby Students' Union, adds: "We hope that this recognition highlights on a national scale that the University is serious about sport and is investing in an infrastructure which will create a sustainable yet attractive sports package for the aspiring athlete."
For further information on Team Derby visit: www.teamderby.com
For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586, or email R.Marshalsay@derby.ac.uk
