Posted: Monday 21 March 2011

Students Crowned Champs at Scottish Colleges National Sports Finals

Students from Kilmarnock College's sports and fitness departments have been crowned champions at this year's Scottish Colleges National Sports Finals.

A squad of athletes from the College competed at the third annual event in Aberdeen where the students scooped six awards.

The 50-strong team was delighted to be named Overall Winners for accumulating the most points at the national finals. The squad also won the Team Spirit Award for the College with the best sportsmanship and support during the day-long event - voted for by event organisers, officials and referees.

Other stand out students on the day included the 7-a-side men's football team which narrowly defeated Aberdeen College 2-1 after being reduced to six men in the final five minutes of the game. The men's volleyball team were victorious over Elmwood College by a two-point margin. Badminton player, Steven Byers was in a class of his own in the Men's Singles event and retained the Scottish title that he won in 2010. The ladies' basketball team secured a silver medal after beating Cardonald College.

In previous years, the event exclusively targeted football, basketball, volleyball and badminton. However, with additional support from Scottish Universities Sport (SUS), Scottish Colleges Sports (SCS) is now involved in developing opportunities for College students to participate in many other disciplines including athletics, cross-country, rugby, table tennis, tennis and swimming.

All winners from the College have qualified to attend the British Colleges' Championships in Bath next month.

Sandy King, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Fitness at Kilmarnock College, said: "Although I was thrilled and extremely proud of the outstanding performances of all of our athletes, I was particularly pleased that the high standards of behaviour and sportsmanship were recognised by theTeam Spirit Award. Every member of our squad was an excellent ambassador for Kilmarnock College."

Jenni Lloyd, National Organiser of Scottish Colleges Sport, said: "The standard of play across all sports was extremely high and there were some very tight final matches. The atmosphere was electric and I hope it was a positive experience for the athletes. All of the Colleges should be extremely proud of what they have achieved all season. Congratulations again to all individuals who participated and best of luck to those travelling to the British Finals in April."

-Ends-

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Kilmarnock College

Joanna Wilson Tel: 01698 787847 Mob: 07786 528 797 Email: joanna.wilson@beattiegroup.com

Joanne Spence Tel: 01698 787856 Mob: 07730 415 016 Email: joanne.spence@beattiegroup.com

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