BUCS Award success
The achievements of University of Edinburgh students and staff have been recognised at the annual British University and College Sport (BUCS) Awards.
From outstanding athletes to incredible institutions, BUCS Awards celebrate the diversity of success across the higher education sector, be this the creation of champions, volunteers and administrators going above and beyond for the sector, or encouraging an athletic habit for life.
Celebrating Success
Even before the winners were announced, it had been a successful night for Edinburgh with clubs and individuals shortlisted in five out of the twelve award categories.
Shortlisted clubs and individuals
- Club of the Year – Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds
- Team of the Year – Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Club
- Student Volunteer of the Year – Gregor Malcolm
- Unsung Hero – Michael Webster
- Dan Porter Award - Ellie Wolfe
Of the five shortlisted clubs and individuals, three picked up the BUCS Award in their Category.
Club of the Year - Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds
"Celebrating a club that has demonstrated a commitment to club development that has resulted in improving the university sport experience. This award is a club award focusing on development achievements and not specifically on performance success."
Awarded due to their incredibly successful 2019-2020 season, both on and off the track:
- A membership record of 168, largely benefitting from a push for inclusion which saw a great boost in the number of recreational runners involved in the club
- A very successful year of results including:
- First place at SSS Cross Country Championships
- Second place finish for the male team (the best result for 50 years) and third place finish for the female team at the BUCS Nationals XC
- For hosting and delivering an incredibly successful BUCS Cross Country Championships, with over 3000 athletes competing from across the UK, in January 2020
- Delivering the Scottish Virtual Road Relays during COVID lockdown, which saw 132 team entries and over 540 runners competing.
Having already picked up the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) Club of the Year Award, being award the BUCS Club of the Year award further recognises an extremely impressive year for the club
Unsung Hero: Michael Webster (University of Edinburgh Sports Union)
"Celebrates a member of staff at a BUCS member institution who has worked tirelessly, and without broader recognition, to supporting student sport at any level in the last 12 months."
Awarded for his passion, determination and the impact he made during his time as Sports Coordinator - Volunteering and Participation at Edinburgh University Sports Union including:
- Founding the Coaching and Volunteering Academy
- Developing the Edinburgh Award programme into a leading self-reflective and leadership course
- Improving the SU recreational programmes bringing more students into sport and reaping the benefits of physical exercise
- Creating a mentoring programme for our Executive Committee
- Leading the regional discussion and facilitating the sharing of best practice across institutions in Edinburgh in his role as South East Regional Chair for Scottish Student Sport
- Volunteering to be the staff lead on the Volunteer Zambia programme, coordinating the Edinburgh team of students across the year in their fundraising and organising logistics of Lusaka trip.
This award rightly recognises Michael’s fantastic contribution to sport at Edinburgh during his time at Edinburgh University Sports Union.
The Dan Porter Award: Ellie Wolfe
"This award celebrates an individual or group who have faced and overcome adversity or disadvantage to positively impact others within university sport and physical activity. The individual or group will have demonstrated a remarkable sense of character to achieve, motivate and inspire."
Awarded for her incredible work advocating for better concussion education and practices in student sport.
After suffering a severe concussion (brain injury) in her third year, Ellie’s physical health and everyday life was dramatically changed. Persistent and debilitating headaches/migraines, fatigue, and sore eyes made each day, including finishing her BSc in Sports Science more challenging. She also had to change her involvement in Edinburgh University Women’s Association Football club (EUWAFC), where she had previously been a core member of the 3rd team. This reality was incredibly challenging for someone who lived and breathed the sport, and relied on her EUWAFC teammates for support.
Ellie has channeled this challenge for the better and has turned to advocating for better concussion education and practices in student sport. She has now positively impacted more than 60 student athletes and counting, through her final year dissertation and now as the ConcussEd student ambassador as she pursues her Masters in PE Teaching.
A richly deserved award for as student who has flourished in the face of adversity.
Congratulations to all the award winners and those shortlisted.