Terry Cooper nominated for Outstanding Contribution Award
Posted on behalf of: Sussexsport
Last updated: Thursday, 22 November 2018
The Sussex Sports Awards 2018 have announced their nominations for the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award, and Sussexsports’ Terry Cooper is one of the finalists.
Terry joined the University as a Junior Sport Centre Assistant in 1988, at only 16 years of age, and went on to become Duty Manager, Senior Duty Manager, Fitness Development Officer and then Deputy Head of Sport (Operations, Fitness and Performance).
He has worked for the University of Sussex for over 30 years, an anniversary which was celebrated last summer.
Terry has been and remains a constant driver of change at Sussexsport; influencing fitness, sport and wellbeing policy on campus to help shape the sport service to what it is today.
He has touched the lives of many by mentoring, coaching and training hundreds of students, staff members and people in the local community.
Terry spoke candidly about his nomination, which was put through by a colleague: “To find out that I had been nominated by my colleagues was a real surprise, but to be shortlisted for the award amongst some great contributions to sport is a real honour.
“I am grateful everyday to have the opportunity to support and impact students, staff and colleagues, but the most important thing for me from this experience is that my colleagues value my effort, time and contribution.”
Terry has also been inspiring talented student athletes at the University, sharing his extensive knowledge of fitness and his passion for physical and mental health with the University’s Sport Scholars, who compete at the highest level.
Most recently, Terry has been integral in developing a partnership with the True Athlete Project, providing our student athletes with mentoring from world-class athletes and Olympians.
Terry is passionate about the link between physical and mental health and has been a driving force to develop both the athlete and the student holistically.
In his spare time he mentors athletes in the local community, such as runner Stephen Ferroni. From Moulescoomb, Stephen is a talented runner who didn’t have access to expensive coaching when starting out over three years ago.
Terry recognised his own story in Stephen’s and has given much volunteer time to help the young athlete grow in confidence and ability.
After years of support from Terry, he has gone from running at county level to racing for England.
You can read more about Stephen and Terry's story here.
As part of his role at the University, Terry also leads two major staff fitness programs; Commit to Get Far and Commit to Get Fit, the former starting again this January.
They have been really popular at the University, with one project covering the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats via exercise ‘miles’.
He is greatly respected across campus and in his community networks, and has acted as a mentor and enduring source of support for many colleagues over their careers.
You can read some testimonials from colleagues, students and staff who Terry has helped over the years here.
We wish him all the best with his nomination, winners of which will be announced on Friday 23rd November at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.
Slide show of Terry through the years.
Further information: https://www.activesussex.org/news-events/ssa2018/