Game Changers: Sporting elite take centre stage at annual sports awards

The University of Wolverhampton recently hosted its annual awards ceremony to celebrate the sporting success and talent across the University. 

The Sports and Activity Awards celebrates the commitment, hard work, dedication and sporting success of individuals and teams throughout the University of Wolverhampton.  
 
Based in the Students’ Union Luna Lounge, at the University’s City Campus in Wolverhampton, students and staff from various courses came together to celebrate, cheer and reflect on the fantastic sporting achievements over the past year. 
 
Students and staff scooped awards across ten categories including Scholar of the Year, Team of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, and the coveted Sporting Moment of the Year – recognising an unforgettable moment from the past year that will stay long in the minds of our students.  

Natalie Gould, Sport and Physical Activity Manager at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “At WLV Sport we aim to utilise the power of sport and physical activity to provide inclusive opportunities for everyone to be active while removing physical and perceptual barriers of participation and engagement. 

“The Awards aim to celebrate the commitment, hard work, dedication and sporting success of our students and staff at the University.  

“Our sports programmes provide an opportunity for our students to meet likeminded individuals and make friends for life through different sporting activities. The implication on their physical and mental health is massive. Getting involved in sports has a huge impact on socialising and staying healthy alongside studying, and this event is all about celebrating that.”  

This year’s award winners are: 

• Student Coach of the Year - Nishkam Tyagi 
• Captain of the Year - Libby Taylor 
• Sporting Moment of the Year - Football 2nd vs Lincoln 
• WLV Sport Staff Outstanding Contribution - Callum Blades 
• Club of the Year - WLV Rugby 
• Coach of the Year - Clive Allen 
• Most Improved Team of the Year - WLV Badminton 
• Sport Scholar of the Year - Gwen Lloyd 
• Team of the Year - WLV Basketball  
• Sportsperson of the Year - Georgia Evans 

Georgia Evans, current Primary Education student and captain of the Netball team, said: “We’re proud of what the (netball) team has achieved this year and it’s nice to be able to have an awards ceremony like this to recognise and celebrate the hard work of everyone. 

“A lot of the girls on the netball team are from different courses, and we all get along so well. I don’t think we would have met if it wasn’t for the sports programmes at the University.  

“Being on the team has a positive impact on our mental health and helps us find a balance whilst juggling our studies.” 

Current Psychology student and Badminton coach, Nishkam Tyagi, said: “As an international student, it’s made making friends so much easier. I think badminton is the only common factor between us because we’re all on different courses. So having that common ground has been important for us. 

“As a psychology student, I can say 100% that participating on the sports team has been one of the biggest stress relievers for me. In between studies, it’s just the perfect opportunity where we can collectively come together to let some steam off. 

“Having this evening to celebrate our achievements has been great and it’s something we’re able to look forward to each year.” 

To view the photos of this year’s Sport Awards, click here. 

To find out more about the University’s sports programmes, click here. 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming  Open Days. 

Picture credit: Nicholas Godwin

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