New National Body For University Sport
A new national body aimed to enhance the university experience through sport has been launched by the UK government.
Formed in June 2008 following the merger of the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) and University College Sport (UCS), the organisation is called British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and will be officially recognised with a reception hosted by Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport and David Lammy MP, Minister for Higher Education at Parliament on Thursday.
With its 153 member universities, the new organisation will aspire to improve sport and physical activity opportunities through participation, such as engaging more students, staff and local communities in playing sport, health initiatives or volunteering activities; competitive events throughout the UK; and performance, with support members available to offer students and university-based athletes world-class facilities and coaching as well as the opportunity to compete on behalf Great Britain at the World University Games and Championships.
Ed Smith, BUCS Chair, said that this body is now the only UK-wide, multi-sport organisation for students, and was formed specifically to get more students involved in sport and physical activity and to promote how sport can be used to engage young adults in coaching and volunteering activities within their community.
