UNE ‘punches above its weight’ in university sport
Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Australian University Sport (AUS) has named the University of New England as Australia’s champion sporting university for 2008 on a “per capita” basis.
The Chief Executive Officer of AUS, Don Knapp, presented the “Overall Per Capita University Champion” award to David Schmude, Executive Director of Sport UNE, at an awards dinner during the annual AUS National Conference in Sydney last week.
“Winning the Per Capita Championship shows that we punch well above our weight,” Mr Schmude said.
UNE has won the title of “Per Capita Champion” at the annual Australian University Games four times in the past, but this is the first time it has won the “Overall” award, which takes into account UNE’s performance at the various Australian University Championships (including the Snow Games and Conference Challenges).
“2008 was a very successful year for UNE,” Mr Schmude said. “This award is a real credit to both the University and the students.
“An impressive 174 athletes represented and supported UNE in the Australian University Games held in Melbourne between 28 September and 30 October 2008,” he explained. “In addition to these games, 25 UNE athletes participated in the East Coast Challenge, and the 22 attended the Snow Games. This remarkable accomplishment highlights a serious level of dedication and commitment to sport by UNE.
“Now we’re looking forward to sending teams to this year’s events - including the Conference Challenges in July, the Snow Games in August, and the Australian University Games on the Gold Coast in September.”
UNE students interested in joining these teams should contact Sport UNE’s Sports Development Officer, Brad King, on 6773 5181.
The image displayed here expands to show Don Knapp, Chief Executive Officer of Australian University Sport (left) with David Schmude (centre) and Brad King after the presentation of the trophy.