The University of Warwick has been recognised for encouraging its students to be more active.

The University won the top prize in the in the 'Excellence in Student Sport Experience' category of the Colleges and Universities Business Officers (CUBO) awards. Run in association with University Business magazine the awards recognise excellence in higher education.

The accolade was made to the University’s Warwick Active programme which is aimed at students who don’t see themselves as ‘sporty’ and don’t want to officially ‘join’ a sports centre. To persuade students to get off the sofa and get moving the project has been developed to focus on fun to appeal to a broad audience. Activities that have been offered include UV squash which is a cross between the racket game and a nightclub with dimmed lights and pumped up music.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Director of Sport & Active Communities said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition. When students are immersed in busy University life facing a stacked timetable or work commitments it’s easy for them to put physical activity on the backburner.

“We aim to have the most physically active campus community in the UK by 2020, offering the world-class sporting experience you'd expect of a world-class University.

“The University of Warwick has worked hard to encourage students - regardless of age, ability or fitness – to become not just more active but also more sociable and connected to the University community.

The programme regularly engages more than 1,500 individuals a week. Warwick Active works in collaboration with sports clubs and key departments such as the University library and careers & skills staff. As well as encouraging students to become more active and develop good habits for life the scheme also provides opportunities for volunteering and to gain skills valuable to employers.

Lisa added: “The success of the programme hinges on student volunteers who are rewarded with professional skills development opportunities to enhance their CVs. The programme is recognised by national sports bodies that financially and practically support its development and growth. Variety is key with campaigns, courses and challenges forming the body of the programme.

“The programme is recognised by national sports bodies that financially and practically support its development and growth.”

Warwick Active has key partnerships with national governing bodies that provide funding and resources to develop the programme further including the FA, England Netball, Badminton England and England Volleyball.

Launched in 2012, the CUBO Awards are a yearly event to recognise the achievements of those working within the higher education industry.

29 June 2016

For media enquiries please contact Nicola Jones, Communications Manager, University of Warwick 07920531221 or N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk