Did you know that Sport Aston offers sports scholarships to talented sportspeople studying at the University?
The scheme has been running for a few years now and is designed to help attract talented sportspeople who are also academically gifted to study here at Aston University. In return the successful scholars represent the University in the BUCS fixtures and help to develop their sport here at Aston.
This year we have awarded five scholarships. Let me introduce you to them.
Jeremie Besson is a boxer from Holland who is studying for an MSc in Engineering. Jeremie has been the champion of the Netherlands in his age category and the University Champion of the Netherlands. Earlier this year Jeremie was selected as part of the National team of under 23 year olds with high potential. Jeremie will be competing for Aston later this year in the BUCS British Championships.
Upon receiving his scholarship Jeremie said: 'I am very glad that the University is willing to invest in highly talented sports people by helping students who want to compete and continue to perform at a high level whilst studying. I would like to thank Sport Aston for awarding me this scholarship.'
Samantha Taylor has been awarded a scholarship for the second year running. Samantha is in her second year of a Business & Psychology degree. She is a Taekwondo champion and recently won bronze medals in ‘Patterns’ and ‘Sparring’ at the European Taekwondo championships. She hasn’t been defeated since in sparring 2005 and is currently the National Champion for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland! Samantha has high aspirations and is aiming to compete for Great Britain in the London 2012 Olympics.
Samantha said: 'I feel I have got alot of support from Aston University to help me continue competing. The scholarship has helped me to study at University without my performance suffering and it is so great not to have to worry about the financial implications so much.'
Lewis Reeve is a first year International Business & Modern Languages student who has been awarded the scholarship for trampolining. Lewis has had some fantastic recent results finishing 6th place at the grade 2 National Trampolining Finals and coming 3rd in the National Qualifiers. Unfortunately an injury prevented Lewis for competing for much of last year but he is more determined than ever now that he is back competing again.
Lewis said: 'To be awarded this part scholarship is a great achievement for me. It will enable me to continue training and improving whilst studying here at the University.'
Alister Clay has been awarded a scholarship for road Cycling. Alister is studying for a PhD in Micro Gas Turbines for DCHP. Alister has consistently finished very highly in regional and national competitions in recent years. Most notably he finished 15th in the divisional championships, 2nd in the Derby Mercury Competition and won the Weaver Valley Road Race. These achievements are even more impressive when you consider that Alister has had no coaching to date and has got to this level through sheer bloody mindedness and determination!
Alister said: 'By supporting its athletes, Aston University demonstrates its commitment in promoting healthy and fulfilling lifestyles via the median of competitive sport. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the Sport Aston scholarship award not only for the financial assistance, but for what it represents.'
Michaela Maixnerova has been awarded a scholarship for Volleyball. Michaela is studying for an MSc in HRM and Business. Michaela is a highly talented Volleyball player who has regularly represented the Czech Republic at International level. Her recent achievements include winning a gold medal at the National Championships in the Czech Republic and helping the City of Coventry to finish 2nd place in the National League Division 1 (the Volleyball equivalent of the Premier League). Michaela also competes in beach Volleyball and won a silver medal in the European under 23’s championships and 4th place in the World under 21’s championships.
Michaela said: 'This scholarship opens the door to new opportunities at both a national and international level. I aim to attract other students to Aston to play volleyball and I really want to help the local community and develop volleyball here in the UK. Thank you Sport Aston.'
Sport Aston Scholarships.
Words by Simon Foster
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