Bournemouth University Boat Club (BUBC) has been named Sports Club of the Year at the nationwide NUS Awards.
The awards, which this year received over 600 nominations, recognise and celebrate outstanding work from Students’ Unions across the country.
Judges awarded BUBC the Sports Club of the Year award for 2014 after being impressed by the club’s response to financial and resourcing problems and their work with local schools and colleges to open rowing to a wider demographic.
Clive Green, BUBC President for the past year, said: “Winning this prestigious award meant a lot to not only the committee but to all those associated.
“We are privileged to have such great support from all of our Alumni and family, and alongside SUBU’s guidance the club has a great network of people to share this award with.”
He added: “This award symbolizes the development the club has gone through this year and further potential BUBC has to achieve even more. We pride ourselves on our openness to memberships and can accommodate any level of athlete.”
Clive said that he believed multiple factors led to the club’s win – including their large membership, dedication to training and community and charity work.
“It’s not just our large squads training daily and performing well; it’s the charity work, training camps, university engagement and willingness to support our local community that makes BUBC a winning club,” he said.
“We raised over £400 for Help for Heroes by completing a rowathon, and we also went abroad to France for a training camp.
“In addition, BUBC help coach students at Winton Arts Media College, with some club members also coaching at Canford School.
“Again, all of these are organised and managed by the students.”
The team were nominated for the award by Emma Hiscutt, Activities Development Manager for the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU).
She said: “Even being recognised for a national award is an amazing achievement and so for BU Boat Club to win one is something that SUBU are very proud of.
“We have seen the club move from strength to strength and are constantly astounded at the efforts the club members put in. It’s a real pleasure to work with these students throughout the year and see them gain in confidence and witness their accomplishments.”
She added: “We are very proud of the Boat Club and can’t wait to see what they achieve next year and beyond.”
Find out more about BU Boat Club