UC and UCSA join forces to establish 'sports incubator' UC Sport
28 January 2011
The University of Canterbury and the University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA) have signed an agreement that paves the way for the establishment of UC Sport - a joint venture to develop and manage the delivery of world-class sport, recreation and fitness programmes at the university.
(From left) University of Canterbury Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Town, UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr, former UCSA President Nick McDonnell and current UCSA President Kohan McNab.
The University of Canterbury and the University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA) have signed an agreement that paves the way for the establishment of UC Sport - a joint venture to develop and manage the delivery of world-class sport, recreation and fitness programmes at the university.
UC Sport will have its own governing body and management structure and will stand alone from both UCSA and UC, with UC retaining control of all academic and research programmes involving Health and Sports Science.
UC Sport will provide administrative, financial and other support to clubs and individuals in order to encourage increased participation in sport and recreation at UC.
"The new partnership will enhance UC's broader definition of its learning environment by supporting student sporting achievement, health and wellbeing," said UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr.
"We hope that UC Sport will also provide very useful input into the university's facilities development programme, with UC set to make a substantial investment in its facilities over the coming years."
With the potential to be one of the largest 'sports incubators' in the southern hemisphere, UC Sport will remove the administrative burden many UC sporting clubs face and allow them to focus the business of playing sport and driving up participation numbers, said outgoing UCSA President Nick McDonnell.
"There are more than 120 separate clubs and societies at UC. UC Sport will provide the means to support and coordinate those diverse clubs and societies. We believe that UC Sport will enhance the complete student experience here at UC and will raise the profile of UC externally as students are supported by UC Sport to achieve excellence in their sporting endeavours, in the Canterbury region and further afield."
Recently-elected UCSA President Kohan McNab said that UC Sport would deliver good outcomes for students.
"Healthier students are better students."
A project leader will shortly be recruited to lead the development of UC Sport and is expected to provide recommendations for the implementation of the new programme by mid-2011.
What to read next:
Recognition for Māori history scholar and translator
One of the country’s leading Māori history scholars will be awarded an honorary degree in recognition for his work revitalising te reo Māori as a ...
UC awards honorary doctorate to Margaret Austin
The University of Canterbury is bestowing an honorary doctorate on educator, politician, scientist and passionate community advocate, Margaret Austin.