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22 Dec 2005 12:31:59
The University of Luton has been hitting the national headlines in Malaysia after successfully hosting a new ‘futsal’ competition at the indoor football arena in Kuala Lumpur.
Backed by the National Sports Council and a number of high-profile companies, the two-day event attracted football teams from 16 universities and higher education colleges in Malaysia, with the winning team being presented with a special University of Luton trophy.
The theme of the sporting event was ‘United we Stand’ in tribute to the victims of the Asian Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and those who have suffered as a result of war and hunger throughout the world. It also served to further raise the profile of the University of Luton in Malaysia – a country where the University is popular among students.
The tournament, which the University intends to run annually, was kicked off by Luton’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon.
International Director, Steve Stephens, said: “We have noticed an increase in student applications from this region and this is a way of allowing students to find out more about Luton and obviously enjoy football - a sport that crosses cultures and languages.
“The Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, was delighted to have the first kick of the ball to get the event under way. It was a fantastic couple of days and everyone who took part was delighted that it was so well organised.”
The Kuala Lumpar Football Association provided professional referees for the tournament. Winning teams and runners-up were given individual medals and football shirts bearing the University of Luton name and logo. There were special awards for best goalkeeper, player of the series and highest goal scorer.
The event sparked great interest in futsal and the University of Luton, with the country’s national press running articles about the tournament. Several new colleges have already expressed an interest in taking part in next year’s event.
Cyberlynx, the University of Luton’s official representative office for Malaysia and South East Asia, organised the event. Its President, PB Ashok, said: “Cyberlynx and the University of Luton believe that education and sport go hand in hand. We have initiated this very first Luton Futsal Challenge and aim to make it an annual event. We believe that sport has the power to unite people from all walks of life.”
Other members of staff attending the event included the University’s youngest Professor, Carsten Maple and media lecturer, Garry Whannel. Plans for a 2006 women’s futsal tournament are also being discussed.
To find out more about the tournament, contact Steve Stephens on 01582 743245 or visit www.luton.ac.uk/international.
Latest news» 2005» Dec» Luton is on the ball with Malaysian football tournament
