Monash WUG Athletes farewelled

Tuesday 16 June

Yesterday, Monday 15 June the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins, Director of Sport, Martin Doulton and other dignitaries gathered to farewell the Monash University students representing Australia at the World University Games (WUG).

The nine Monash students will be competing in Belgrade, Serbia from 1 to 12 July in various sports and were chosen as they are the cream of the crop. These names will soon be recognised as top national and international athletes.

Hosted by the Director of Sport, Martin Doulton, the function provided the opportunity to formally congratulate and wish good luck to the nine talented athletes. Also in attendance were Monash Sport staff, Monash University Faculty Support staff, and Monash University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Richard Larkins.

Professor Larkins addressed the group and congratulated the athletes, admiring their ability to “balance competing in sport at the highest level, whilst studying a degree at a major University”. Professor Larkins also thanked the Faculties and University support staff for their involvement with the Elite Athlete Support Program, for assisting students in balancing their sport and their studies.

Martin Doulton and Richard Larkins presented the students to the audience, interviewing them about their sport and their study. All students spoke of how excited they were to be representing their University and their Country, and commented that the function provided a great chance for them to meet and get to know each other before heading to Belgrade.

Swimmer Amy Cockerton, a 50m Backstroke specialist, spoke of the support she’s received from the University, explaining that one of the main reasons she wanted to study at Monash was because it was an Elite Athlete Friendly University.

For the first time ever, Monash students are representing two different countries. Nine Australian based students will be competing in different sports for the Green and Gold, plus, one of Monash’s South African based students will be competing in Athletics for South Africa.

Monash Universities Australian based athletes are:

Dale Stevenson, who studies a Bachelor of Education(Sec)/Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation at Peninsula Campus, was ecstatic to be chosen for the Australian Athletics Team in his chosen discipline of Discus.

“To me, making any Australian team is the pinnacle of sporting achievement. The opportunity to represent my country, as well as my University, greatly surpasses any medals, awards or public recognition. The World University Games are not only a fantastic stepping stone to World Championships and Olympic Games, but they provide an invaluable experience and world-class competition in their own right.”

Dale has also represented Monash University at the Australian University Games for the last three years running, captaining the team that won ‘Overall Sporting Champions’ in 2008.

All the best of luck to the Monash nine!

Log on to www.sport.monash.edu/news to keep up to date with scores and results throughout the World University Games.

The Monash athletes with the Vice Chancellor.

Amy Cockerton with the Vice Chancellor.

The athletes took the time to mingle with one another before they flew off.