Sussexsport’s latest crop of Sport Scholars were welcomed at an evening reception with the Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, last Thursday (16 November).

Showcasing the diversity of talented athletes that Sussex attracts, the ceremony included a display of rhythmic gymnastics from Law student Alexandra Mokrova, who has competed competitively at the highest level – achieving the Master of Sports of Russia title and placing first at this month’s Canterbury Cup.

Physics with Astrophysics student James Langley also showcased his second-degree black belt karate skills for fellow scholars and staff at the University during the ceremony.

The Sport Scholarship Scheme continues to champion and inspire Sussex’s student athletes, offering a range of support in the form of financial assistance, bespoke strength and conditioning training, use of Sussexsport facilities, links to external clubs and academic flexibility.

This year, Sussexsport are partnering with the True Athlete Project to provide mentoring support to current Sport Scholars. Sussex alumnus, former Sport Scholar and two-time Olympian Laurence Halsted (Psychology 2006), is a core part of the True Athlete Project team and is working with Sussexsport staff to offer mentoring from athletes at the top of their game.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) student and triathlete Max Thornton, who will be the first Sport Scholar to receive a mentor from the project, said: “I’m really excited to begin working with the True Athlete Project. I’m looking forward to being mentored by an athlete who has experience of competing at the highest level. Hopefully this process can improve my mental game, and give me a more holistic approach to my sport.”

Alongside Laurence, Sussexsport are also looking to link with local legend Lewis Hatchett, a former professional cricketer turned motivational speaker, whose personal journey has seen him overcome physical difficulties to play high-level cricket and now pursue classification in para-swimming. Lewis will work with our current Sport Scholars to motivate, support and mentor them to achieve their athletic potential. 

Powerlifter Nathaniel Wiesendanger Shaw has been on the scheme for the past three years and credits the mentoring he has already received from Sussexsport staff with his consistency. He said: “The Scholarship Scheme has been instrumental in my opportunities to compete in powerlifting internationally. The development of the mentoring aspect of the scheme has been fundamental to maintaining my Commonwealth Champion title for four years.”

Sport Scholarships are provided by Sussexsport and made possible by alumni and friends of the University through generous donation to the Sussex Fund, managed by the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). 

Rachel Dyson, Deputy Director of Development in DARO, said: “It was great to meet this year’s Sussex Fund Sports Scholars and to hear first-hand about the difference that their scholarship has made for them. Between them they represent an astonishing array of sports … rhythmic gymnastics, powerchair football, karate, powerlifting, sailing, archery, triathlon, rugby, cricket and more.

“Their passion for competition and commitment to their training is inspirational and I look forward to following their progress over the coming months and years. We are very grateful to each of the alumni whose generous donations to the Sussex Fund over the last year have enabled us to support 26 Sports Scholars for 2017-18."

The Sussex Fund has also supported the creation of a new Outdoor Fitness Area at the Falmer Sports Complex, which was opened last month by former Sport Scholar and GB Hockey player Rose Thomas. The new facility provides a state-of-the-art training space for Sussex’s Sport Scholars and student sport clubs and is also open to the campus community to use for free.

Deputy Head of Sport, Terry Cooper, said: “The last two years has been very successful for sport, with BUCS medals, scholars representing their countries and sports teams playing at the very highest level.

“Through the support of the Sussex Fund, we are looking to improve on our recent successes; the collaborations we are creating for the future will help to provide a support network to ensure that sport at Sussex continues to aspire and achieve.”

For more photos from the evening, visit Sussexsport’s Facebook page.

Further information: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sport/students/scholarships

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