University of Manchester wins outstanding contribution to sport accolade

In the second annual Manchester Sport Awards, the University of Manchester picked up the award for outstanding contribution to sport. The recognition comes after a strong sporting year for the University of Manchester which saw the university raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes as well as the opening of new sports pitches.

With almost 2,500 students and staff in attendance, the Great Manchester Run was a particular high point for the university. The runners aimed to raise money for scholarships as well as contributing to charities such as the Big Change which targets ending homelessness in Manchester.

As well as participating in the Great Manchester Run, the university was commended on its projects at both the Armitage Centre as well as the Belle Vue Sports Village. The project made Manchester the first university in the country to have six all-weather pitches on one site.

The award ceremony on the 28th was attended by Head of Sport Vicky Ackerley who accepted the accolade on behalf of the university.

“This is a great honour and a fabulous recognition of the brilliant students and staff who put so much into our sporting life at the University. I’d also like to pay tribute to my fabulous team who work tirelessly to make sport accessible for all. We passionately believe that Sport has enormous benefits to everyone and everyone’s physical and mental health. It really can transform lives.”