CHRIS POTTER SPORTS BURSARY
2013/14
BUCSis offering two bursaries up to a total of £1,000 with a maximum single award of £750
The successful student candidate will have to demonstrate that they have made a significant contribution to student sport as a competitor, official, referee/umpire, coach or volunteer with particular reference to the BUCS programme.
Both undergraduates and postgraduates are eligible to apply.
Closing date for applications:
Friday 31st January 2014
CHRIS POTTER SPORTS BURSARY 2013/14
Chris Potter was a student at Bristol University, where his main sport was hockey particularly umpiring. In 1987 / 88 he served as Athletic Union President.
During the year 1988 / 89 Chris was the Student Vice Chair of the Universities Athletic Union where, in a difficult year for the Union, he will be remembered as a young man with firm ideas which he was not afraid to argue through.
In 1990, before moving into his chosen career in Law, Chris decided to pursue other interests. It was during this period, on a visit to Sierra Leone, that he tragically drowned whilst on an organised swimming party.
In memory of Chris’ service to the UAU, and in conjunction with his family, the Union established the Chris Potter Sports Bursary. Again with the full support and agreement of the family that Bursary was transferred to the BUSA and hence to British Universities & Colleges Sport.
This year there are two bursaries available to a total of £1,000, with a maximum single award of £750
Applicants may be undergraduates or postgraduates. The Bursary will be awarded on the candidate’s special contribution to sport at their college or university and particularly to the BUCS programme. They may be ‘run of the mill’ sportsmen or women, or of international standard. The winner will, however, have clearly demonstrated a contribution to their sport which clearly goes beyond their individual success in the sports arena.
Past winners have ranged from elite athletes who have demonstrated a successful ambassadorial role for student sport, to a 3rd XI Captain who re-established a successful club which appeared to be in decline. Some winners have turned to umpiring or refereeing after injury, others have established successful coaching regimes. Most have been involved in the success of BUCS sport in their universities or colleges whether that be on a competitive level or through a number of participation/development programmes.
The award may be used as a contribution towards any of the following activities:
- Travel expenses in direct relation to the agreed activity.
- Coaching, umpiring or referee development
- Attendance on sport related courses
- Sports development, administration and / or leadership
- Any other activity agreed with the selection committee
The closing date for applications will be Friday 31st January 2014. Candidates should be aware that they may be required to attend an interview. The bursary(s) will be awarded following the interviews and the successful candidate will be invited to attend the BUCS Awards dinner on Thursday 10th July 2014 where the bursary will be presented along with other sporting awards. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide a case study, information and possible presentation on how they have benefitted from the bursary, including the impact and outcomes that the funding has had on HE sport. This case study will be distributed across various BUCS media channels to increase the profile and awareness of this award.
BUCS have spoken to a number of the individuals who have been lucky enough to be awarded this bursary and found out how it has benefited them.
Jade Forbes-Wattley – Loughborough University
“As an avid Netball player, I have represented England previously, but the chance to represent Great Britain was a huge step for me. When selected to represent Great Britain in the World University Netball Championships, I was over the moon! There seemed to be only one catch – we had to make a personal contribution. As a busy student living away from home, I was worried that this could jeopardise my place in the squad, because without the personal contribution, another player would have taken my place in the team. The Chris Potter Bursary was fundamental in my participation, a crucial element that could have made me ineligible to play. In July 2012, I was a part of the winning British team that won the First World University Netball Championships in Cape Town, South Africa. I will be eternally grateful for the help that was offered to me in the form of this bursary. Thank you!”
Marie Thorpe – The University of Manchester
“The Chris Potter bursary has been incredibly useful this year in enabling our club members and I to access competitions, and in supporting and promoting climbing competitions within the student sport community. The money from the bursary has already allowed us to get to the first competition in the Northern Universities Bouldering Series (NUBS) in Liverpool, and over the next few months we’ll be able to attend the other competitions in the series in Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester. Without the Potter bursary I and our club members would not have been able to attend and support this series and would have missed out on the wonderful opportunities it presents. Thank you”
Krishna Suraj Kambli – University of Bedford
“Whilst at the University of Bedfordshire, studying for an extended Law degree I have been involved in sports since my very first day and have even run a sports team whilst being a first year student. During my time here I have coached all 4 men’s football teams and also externally at a local school- aiming to put something back into the local community where I live. In my final year of university, I have decided to diversify my sporting resume and focus on coaching at youth level whilst still remaining involved by officiating in BUCS games for male and female football. The Chris Potter Bursary has allowed me to do this and I am extremely grateful for the support.”
Applications must be endorsed by the appropriate Athletic Union / Sports Department. When you have completed sections 1-4 and signed the form, send it or take it to your Athletic Union / Sports Department and ask that section 6 be signed by the President or appropriate senior member of staff.
(1)Personal details of applicant:
Name: ______
Date of Birth: ______
University: ______
University address: ______
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Permanent home address: ______
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Tel No: (Uni): ______Tel No: (home): ______
Current course of study / and year: ______
University: ______
E-Mail: ______
(2)Sporting details of applicant
(a)Give a brief resume of sporting activities whilst at University.
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(b)Give a brief resume of administrative related activities you would undertake at University (e.g. Volunteer roles, AU President, 3rd XI Captain, etc).
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(3)Statement supporting application for award, how would this bursary help you through your year?
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(Continue onto an additional sheet if required)
(4)Please detail how you would expect the award to be spent
Detail of activity / Cost (£’s)(5)I understand that details of any award which I received may be given to the media as part of a press release.
Signed: ______Date: ______
(6)Report of Athletic Union (to be signed by President / or other officials as appropriate)
To the best of my knowledge the above particulars are correct.
Signed: ______Date: ______
Please email tono later than Friday 31st January 2014 or post to BUCS, 20-24 King’s Bench Street, London, SE1 0QX