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Sporty seven benefit from grand financial backing

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Sporty seven benefit from grand financial backing

23 Jun 2010 09:23:48

Sports grants awardees (students with elite Kenyan athletes)

Students with sporting potential at the University of Bedfordshire have received generous bursaries to boost their performance.

The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation has supported five students, while two of the University’s number are being aided by the Wells and Young’s Brewing Company.

The five students to receive £1,000 grants from the Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation will use the money to pay for equipment, travel costs and specialised sports courses.

They are:

  • Student PE teacher Leah Gilbert, in her first year studying at the Bedford campus, who has overcome adversity to play her beloved sport of hockey.
  • Mature student Gary King, who is married with two children and still works part-time as a swimming teacher, is studying Sport and Adventure Recreation at Bedford.
  • Gymnast Emma Palombo, who both competes in county and regional competition as well as coaching youngsters, is a Sport and PE student at Bedford.
  • Footballer and swimmer Arun Gray is on a Sports Science and Personal Training course at Bedford.
  • Sporting all-rounder Janette Jarvis is a first year Sport and Community Leadership student at Bedford.

Professor John Brewer, Professor of Sport at the University, said: “We’re delighted that the Connolly Foundation have been able to help our talented students.

“We’re excited about the prospect of working with the Foundation in future to provide local youngsters with an opportunity to study at the University and gain financial support for their sporting and academic careers.

“We believe that this money will make a real difference and enable our students to excel in both their studies and sports.”

The founder of Connolly Homes, Michael Connolly, set up the Foundation in memory of his wife Kathleen, a former nurse. One of its aims is to promote and assist gifted and talented students in the area of sport.

The Foundation has made a £10,000 donation in total to the University, with £2,000 also going towards the newly-established University of Bedfordshire Rowing Club and £3,000 yet to be distributed.

John Brewer

Andrew Rowe, a Trustee of the Foundation, said: “The Connolly Foundation has provided scholarship funding for University of Bedfordshire sports students and for state school students to assist them into university. It has also funded gym equipment for a local school and these grants together exceed £100,000 per year.

“The Foundation is also the lead promoter for the Bedford Water Sports Lake project which will provide new facilities for a range of water sports and an important expansion to the Faculty of Education and Sport at the Bedford campus of the University.”

The Wells and Young’s Brewing Company has given £1,000 apiece to one male and one female elite athlete.

  • Olympic hopeful Aaron Trim, who is hoping to represent Great Britain in the 400m at London 2012, is a second year Sports Therapy student based at the Luton campus.
  • Keen footballer Georgina Crowley-Tweddell was the first team physio at Harlow Town, as well as establishing a disability sports development centre for adults in her native Essex. She is currently studying Sport and Community Leadership at the Bedford campus.

Tom Wells, Vice Chairman of Charles Wells Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the University of Bedfordshire in support of this scholarship and bursary fund. This significant initiative will assist young people to develop and reap rewards of their abilities which might not have been possible without this fund.”

Professor Brewer said: “The Wells and Young’s sporting talent award provides a unique opportunity for students to give something back to their local community and reach the highest possible level in their sporting performance.

“We’re very grateful to Wells and Young’s for their support and look forward to working with them in the future as well.”

The top photo shows five of the students with the four elite Kenyan elites who recently visited the Bedford campus. They are, left to right: Catherine Ndereba, Georgina Crowley-Tweddell, Duncan Kibet, Arun Gray, Sam Wanjiru, Gary King, Emma Palombo, Benjamin Limo and Janette Jarvis.

Bedfordshire University

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