University celebrates 100 years of inter-varsity sport in the UK
04 Nov 2019
The University has celebrated inter-varsity sport's 100 year anniversary at a special event
The University - one of the 11 founding members of inter-varsity sport - has celebrated its 100 year anniversary at a special event.
The first ever track and field event held in May 1919 was at our Fallowfield campus, contested by the then inter-varsity Athletics Board of England and Wales (IVAB)
Students, staff, and alumni heard Vince Mayne, CEO of the current version IVAB, British University College Sport (BUCS) speak at the special event about how physical activity in the sector has grown and developed over 100 years.
He highlighted the huge scale of student competitions in the UK and the investments in world class sporting facilities across the sector.
Vicky Ackerley, Head of Sport and Active Lifestyles, also paid homage to student athletes including Ron Unsworth, a former Olympian who advocated for the University and its sporting legacy throughout his life.
She also outlined the University’s most recent £90m student accommodation development in Fallowfield, Unsworth Park named in his memory.
Vicky concluded the evening by celebrating the wide programme and workforce that engage over 16,000 students and staff each year, highlighting the employability skills gained through voluntary workforce opportunities, engagement with civic and social responsibility agendas through the annual Purple Wave 10k event, through to de-stress programmes especially around exam periods that support student wellbeing.
Vicky Ackerley said: “We are very lucky to have such a rich sporting heritage at The University of Manchester, and to have played a crucial role in the creation of inter-varsity sport across the UK 100 years ago. This event has enabled us to reflect on previous glory and celebrate how sport in higher education has grown and evolved, and more than ever is contributing to the development and wellbeing of our people.”