It’s another jam-packed edition of Sport & Active Health. With exciting news of this year’s inductions to the Sports Hall of Fame and Blues and Colours Award winners, opportunities to get active this summer, plus partnerships with Scottish Running Week and the 2024 Sprint World Orienteering Championships, Olympic selections and much more, there is something for everybody.
The University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame
On Tuesday 4 July, another three incredible University of Edinburgh sporting icons will be inducted into The University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame. Launched in 2008 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our most distinguished sports people at world level, induction to the Sports Hall of Fame is open only to students, staff and graduates of the University, and is the highest sporting honour the University can bestow.
The selection process is rigorous and demanding. Inductees are recommended by the University’s Hall of Fame Awards Committee and approved by the University Principal.
Candidates will have either:
- Achieved medal success at the very highest international level, such as Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games, or senior World or European championships;
- Won more than 100 senior caps for their country; or
- Made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the administration of sport at the University or achieved some other notable distinction.
Over the years, individuals from the world of sport at the University of Edinburgh have contributed a huge amount on the international stage. In doing so, they have not only brought honour to themselves, to their country, and to the University of Edinburgh but also have inspired generations of athletes (and many non-athletes) worldwide. Our Hall of Fame seeks to salute their achievements.
The inductees will be announced at the 2023/24 Blues and Colours Award Evening. Follow live updates from the night on the UoE Sport and Sports Union social media channels.
Get Active and Boost Your Mood
Free active wellbeing sessions this summer
Over the summer, the Sport & Exercise Active Lives team has a range of free activities to help students and staff get moving and feel the physical and mental benefits of being a bit more active a bit more often.
Along with social jogging sessions at Kings Buildings, Easter Bush and the Central Campus, the team will offer social cycle sessions, starting at Bristo Square, Just Play Sport sessions at the Pleasance, the Meadows and Holyrood Park, and Wellbeing Walks.
Click the link below for details on wellbeing walks, Just Play Sport sessions and Social Run sessions.
Join in
Scottish Running Week
University of Edinburgh Sport is the headline partner of Scottish Running Week 2024.
Taking place from 3-9 June 2024 and organised by Athletics Trust Scotland, Scottish Running Week, previously known as National Running Week, will celebrate athletics across the country in a bid to increase participation through a wide variety of activities.
Create unforgettable memories with a trip to Firbush
Firbush Outdoor Centre is one of the University of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures. Located on the spectacular shores of Loch Tay, it has been providing unique and memorable experiences to all who visit since 1967. Firbush welcomes students, staff and the wider community and is a perfect destination for reading parties, team building activities or field trips.
Due to a cancellation, there is midweek availability from Monday 24 to Wed 26 June 2024 for a group between 10 and 32. The two-night stay includes full board accommodation and activities. A full range of summer activities will be available, including sailing, windsurfing, paddle sports, kayaking, canoeing, hillwalking and mountain biking. Prices start from £170 per person.
Contact the Firbush team for more details at the link below:
University of Edinburgh named as Official Event Partner of Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024
The Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024, which takes place from 12-16 July in Edinburgh, has named the University as its Official Event Partner.
The partnership will see the University offer extensive and exclusive usage of its sports facilities during the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024 and in the build-up to the event. The University will also host the WOC 2024 Official Event Centre and Office.
The Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024 includes elite races taking place across the capital which will showcase the fast-paced sport of orienteering. Meanwhile, amateur competitors of all levels have the chance to take part in an orienteering race as part of the WOC Tour. Races will all be staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks providing the perfect backdrop for the courses.
Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024
BUCS Season Roundup
It has been another spectacular year of sport and with a staggering 1,220 BUCS fixtures, this season has been one to remember.
This year, 126 teams were entered into the league and knockout competition, with 15 teams winning their BUCS league and 2 teams becoming SSS league champions. Three teams have earned well-deserved promotions to their premiership leagues, while four teams remain with an opportunity to secure promotion.
The success of the season is a testament to students’ talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of their teams and coaches.
IM Season Roundup
A record-breaking University Intramural Sports league season has come to an end.
This year, two new sports, table tennis, and volleyball, joined Football 11’s, Football 5’s, Netball, Hockey, Rugby, Squash, Basketball, Table Tennis and Volleyball in the programme. With an impressive 192 team entries, across nine sports, there was a 31 per cent increase from the previous year. It has been a jam-packed calendar this year with more than 80 weekly fixtures and a total of more than 1,800 fixtures over this academic year.
Excitingly, school representation grew this year with 60 different teams, from 19 schools taking part.
Leading the Way
In celebration of UK Coaching Week, University of Edinburgh Sport and Edinburgh University Sports Union highlighted the dedicated individuals who shape the success of athletes, teams, and clubs within The University’s Sport community.
With more than 370 coaches involved across 70 sports clubs this year, coaching plays a crucial role in shaping the experience and development of students in sports. Some are students starting on their coaching journey, while others have years of experience in coaching at the highest level.
Celebrating Coaches at the University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Award 23/24
The Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU) Edinburgh Award has concluded for another year, with 58 students completing the Leadership and Coaching versions of the Award.
The Edinburgh Award is a programme that students can undertake alongside their commitments within sports clubs. The Award aims to recognise student involvement in these activities and enhance their experiences. The EUSU versions of the Awards encourage students to develop the skills they use in volunteering and coaching roles, making them more employable when they graduate.
Skills development is vital for students as it equips them with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. It fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for future challenges. Cultivating skills enhances employability, promotes innovation, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society’s progress and prosperity.
Peffermill Flood Response
In case you missed it, it was a bit wet in Edinburgh a few weeks ago but an absolutely monumental effort by the Peffermill team was able to get the pitches back up and available. The team worked tirelessly in the days after the downpour (and flooding) to ensure minimal disruption to our community.
Simply extraordinary ❤️
Celebrating Success
Olympic and Paralympic Selections
Congratulations to Moray House School of Education and Sport student and Sport Scholar Megan Keith who secured her place at the Paris Olympics earlier this month and to Associated Athlete Stephen Clegg who has been selected for the Paris Paralympics
Claire Cruikshank named as Scotland u20 Women’s Coach
Congratulations to Head of Performamce Rugby (Women) who will serve as the Head Coach for Scotland Women U20 team in the upcoming Summer Series in Parma, Italy.
World Orienteering Championships Selections
Eight University of Edinburgh Students have been selected to represent the GB team at the Orienteering World University Championships. The athletes who have been selected to represent GB Students on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will travel to Bansko, Bulgaria to take part in the competition from 1-5 August 2024.
World University Orienteering Championships Selections
Blues and Colours Awards
This year, 152 students will be awarded with Colours, Half Blues and Blues, which celebrate extraordinary sporting performance and volunteering.
In addition, throughout the evening, seven awards will be presented which celebrate outstanding sporting achievements over the year, to people who have made a lasting impact on their club, dedicated their time to support students and excelled in their sport
The award winners will be announced at the 2023/24 Blues and Colours Award Evening on Tuesday 4 June. Follow live updates from the night on the UoE Sport and Sports Union social media channels.
2024 Blues and Colours Awards Shortlists
