England Rugby Internationals to launch Buckinghamshire New University’s Sports Strategy

On Tuesday 20 May, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley, both celebrated England Rugby Internationals and London Wasps players, were present to launch Buckinghamshire New University’s Sports Strategy in the company of a distinguished gathering from the sports industry. The celebratory event took place at Adams Park, home of the London Wasps and Wycombe Wanderers Football Club.
  
Joe Worsley, who is widely regarded as the best utility back row forward in the country, played an integral role in the England side that went all the way to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final. Simon Shaw, known as the 'Gentle Giant', has been one of the best locks in the Premiership for more than ten seasons, and has 34 England caps to his name.
 
Since gaining full university status in 2007, Bucks New University has developed an inclusive strategy which outlines its long-term vision for sport. It is a declaration of Bucks’ intentions to work with the local, regional and national sporting partners to deliver sporting opportunities, and is a demonstration of the institution’s commitment to the provision of sport for students, staff and the local community.
 
Bucks’ Sports Strategy is distinctive due to the breadth of associations with whom successful working partnerships have been established. The provision of sporting opportunities through these partners is central to the strategy, and Bucks is striving to become recognised as a leading institution in the delivery of sporting activities across the region.  
 
In recognition of the strength and success of each individual alliance, a series of special presentations were made at the launch by Bucks New University to its partners, including: 
 
Speaking about the Sports Strategy, Dr Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University, said: “As a new generation university, Bucks is an outward-facing institution and has developed solid links with the region’s sporting and business community. Our vision for sport is to be a university renowned for our support of sport through academic studies, individual participation and achievement, and through engagement with our community and our partners. We aim to be recognised as a leading sports university by our students, the community and national and regional sporting bodies.”
 
Wasps’ back row, Joe Worsley, commented: “I’m very pleased to be here and taking part in the launch of Bucks New University’s Sports Strategy. The University’s partnership with London Wasps is just one element of the Strategy and it has been extremely successful at both the elite and community levels.”
 
Simon Shaw, added: “The activities of the Bucks’ community team have meant that many youngsters have been able to become involved in our sport. We look forward to being part of Bucks’ plans for sport going forward.”
 
The Sports Strategy reflects many of Bucks New University’s core values, including health and wellbeing, principles which have also been incorporated into the new student support package known as The Big Deal. From September this year, Bucks students will receive an impressive package of benefits that includes free access to sports and recreational activities, covering the costs associated with almost 30 different sports played competitively at the University, including kit and match fees. Central to this offer is the University’s belief that sports help to develop a healthy mind and body, as well as all important camaraderie and leadership skills.     
 
In 2009 Bucks New University will bring the majority of its facilities and student population to one town centre site, to be known as the Gateway. A new state-of-the-art complex will be built offering a range of new sporting facilities including a sports hall, gym, a British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratory, treatment rooms and a dance studio. All will be highly specified and can be utilised by students, businesses, partners and the public. Bucks is also working towards an outdoor strategy for sport with Wycombe District Council and other partners.
 
If you would like further information about the Sports Strategy, Liz Tapper on liz.tapper[at]bucks.ac.uk 01494 605154.

England Rugby Internationals to launch Buckinghamshire New University’s Sports Strategy