The successful application from Anglia Ruskin’s Sport & Active Anglia team formed part of £10million of National Lottery funding given out as part of Sport England’s University Sport Activation Fund and was the eighth largest individual amount granted.
The money will go towards extending the range of activities enjoyed by students of Anglia Ruskin in both Essex and Cambridgeshire following a recent consultation. As well as unique activities designed to make sports more accessible, Anglia Ruskin will be able to provide opportunities to visit top class facilities such as the Lea Valley White Water centre and other venues used during the 2012 Olympic Games.
Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy more off-campus sports such as sailing and mountain biking. It is hoped the investment made by Sport England will encourage students not only to take up sport but also develop a lifelong habit of living healthy, active lifestyles.
James Cudmore, Senior Sports Development Officer at Anglia Ruskin, said: “This is fantastic news for our current students and those looking to join us in the near future.
“Anglia Ruskin’s sporting provision has improved dramatically over the past two years and this grant will provide us with the resources to go even further to help our students get involved in sport and recreation.
“Some people are not inspired by activities we currently run, so we hope to add significantly to the ones we offer plus put an imaginative twist on traditional sports like basketball, badminton and cycling.
“As well as the obvious physical benefits, taking part in sport and recreation at university can help academic achievement and develop skills employers are looking for and we want as many people as possible to be a part of it.”
Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “We know universities play a vital role in maintaining and growing a student’s love of sport. They can encourage them to continue playing once they’ve left school or help those less sporty discover a new sport. By investing in the 54 universities we’re helping students develop a lifelong sporting habit while they study.”
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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Jamie Forsyth on t: 0845 196 4716, e: Jamie.forsyth@anglia.ac.uk
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Lottery grant gives a sporting chance to students
24 June 2014
Students at Anglia Ruskin University will be able to enjoy glow-in-the-dark badminton, basketball jam and cycling cinema thanks to a grant of £258,236 from Sport England aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreational activities over the next three years.