English Universities Awarded USD16m Lottery Fund for Sport

March 31, 2011

It has been announced today, March 31, that a total of 41 projects are to benefit from a £10m (US$16.1m) lottery fund to get more university students playing sport, in a project named Active Universities.

Sport England have claimed that the projects are part of the “mass participation legacy” of the London 2012 Games, while Hugh Robertson, the UK’s Minister for Sport said it would encourage students to continue playing sport following their studies.

The highest amount awarded went to the University of Hertfordshire who received £359,579 ($578,841).

The university will use the money to get its students and those at the Royal Veterinary College and local colleges involved in a range of sports.

Sport England chief executive Jennie Price stated: “Young adults who are still playing sport when they leave university are likely to stick with it for life, so this is a good investment in the future.

“These projects have been chosen because they really listened to what students wanted, so we are confident they will succeed in increasing participation.”

Conservative MP Mr Robertson added: “This funding for 41 different sport projects across the country is exactly what our Olympic legacy promise is about – offering more opportunities for people to get involved.”

The funds have been awarded to projects across England and cover a wide range of sports.