Supporting sporting dreams
We’re approaching an exhilarating summer of sport, with the upcoming Olympics offering our UofG community the chance to cheer on our alumni athletes. We’re also reflecting on the determination and hard work it has taken for them to progress from student athletes to competitors on the world stage. For many of these sporting stars, our donor community has played a crucial part in this remarkable journey.
Impact beyond academia…
Many of the experiences that help our students develop workplace skills, build lifelong friendships and explore new interests, happen outside the lecture theatres. These opportunities are made possible through clubs, societies, sports, events and projects that aim to enhance our students’ time at the University. The Chancellor’s Fund and its donors play an integral role in ensuring students have the chance to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding university experience.
Your support of the Chancellor’s Fund this year has enabled outreach opportunities in Africa, ensured the continuation of the student magazine, established British Sign Language cafes across campus and much more. One area we continue to prioritise with your help is our sports clubs and incredible student-athletes.
Dame Katherine Grainger, Chancellor of University of Glasgow and winner of five Olympic medals, said;
“Quite simply, the Chancellor’s Fund supports innovative student- and staff-led projects that would otherwise go unfunded. From environmental sustainability to enhancing the student experience, the diverse activity made possible by your gifts makes this initiative truly unique. As an alum and now Chancellor, I am incredibly proud to be part of a community that is passionate about making the world a better place.”
Alumni Olympians
Long distance runner Laura Muir (BVMS 2018) had her first taste of the Olympics in 2016 while she was studying to become a vet at UofG. In Tokyo 2020, she secured silver in the 1500m and is currently training hard for Paris this summer, ready to defend her title of ‘fastest vet’.
Laura Muir with her honorary degree, awarded in 2023
Laura won’t be the only veterinary graduate in Paris. Racing cyclist Neah Evans (BVMS 2014, MSc 2021), who secured silver in Tokyo as part of the team pursuit team, has set her sights on gold this summer.
We are so proud to cheer on athletes competing at such a remarkable level and are grateful for our ability to support them, and students like them, through our sports bursary programme.
Sports bursaries help students manage the demands of a high-performance sporting schedule alongside their rigorous academic studies. Students receive financial support for essentials like equipment, competition entry fees, travel, accommodation and training. Additionally, they benefit from the support of our sports department which provides assistance with strength and conditioning and access to a psychologist, nutritionist and physiotherapist. The pressure and demands on student athletes time can be immense, and your support allows them to maintain high-quality studies while competing.
With your support, 20 students a year can pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level in their sport while receiving a Glasgow education. Your gifts help to ensure that student athletes do not need to make difficult decisions or risk falling behind due to being overstretched. Since it was established 14 years ago, the programme has enabled several success stories, giving us the opportunity to rally behind these exceptional individuals and celebrate their remarkable achievements.
Thank you for always cheering us on
We are so grateful for your dedication to providing our UofG community with the resources and opportunities to truly embrace everything a Glasgow education has to offer. We look forward to cheering on UofG athletes at Paris 2024 and beyond thanks to your support.
Donate to the Chancellor's Fund to support sports bursaries
Laura Muir and Dame Katherine Grainger with their Olympic medals
Neah Evans with her mum, who was also an Olympic athlete!