Olympic dreams for York St John University's new sports facilities
York’s sporting past, present and future was celebrated at
York St John University’s recently acquired outdoor facilities
York St John University Sports Centre Nestlé Rowntree
Park, where at least two Olympic winners are known to have
trained, on Wednesday 23 May 2012.
The event gave University staff, students and
the local community an opportunity to find out more about the
future plans for the 57 acre site on Haxby Road, while showcasing
some of the sporting talents of current York St John University
students.
There was also an opportunity to meet York
Knights head coach and player Chris Thorman who has captained
England on two occasions, and community development coach Jack
Stearman who coached a game of tag rugby on the day.
Photographs, trophies and memorabilia from the
university and Nestle archives displayed York’s sporting
history. Sport has always played an important role at York St
John University where students can currently study a range of
sports degrees, which include sports science programmes that are
endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise
Sciences. The University’s sports clubs and societies have
always been involved in local sports and many members have gone on
to be great success stories, including Jack Harrison who was Rugby
League's only Victoria Cross winner and Matt Messais who became a
premier league referee in 2000.
The sports fields on Haxby Road have a legacy
of their own, with at least two Olympic winners training on the
fields when they were owned by Rowntree’s. Many York
residents will have fond memories of spectating or competing in
events on the fields during the company’s annual Sports Days which
in their heyday ran for over 50 consecutive years.
Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor at
York St John University, said: “This event was a celebration of the
York St John University Sports Centre Nestlé Rowntree Park
acquisition and the launch of our new long term plan for
sport. This is one of the best sporting facilities
in York and we are in a strong position to not only maintain this
high standard but to enhance it further for existing users, the
local community and students. It would be wonderful if we
could train some future Olympians on our site.”
Nestle archivist Alex Hutchinson said: “It’s
fantastic that York St John is continuing the tradition to bring
the community together through sport. The Rowntree’s Sports
Day was always enjoyed by employees and residents of York because
it was a big day out for everyone. Although the races were
only really open to employees and their wives and children, we can
be pretty certain that their friends and neighbours will have
turned up to see them compete.”
York St John University and Nestle would love
to hear from anyone who has fond sporting memories of the playing
fields or the University. Those wishing to share their
memories can contact Alex Hutchinson alex.hutchinson@uk.nestle.com
or Brett Arnall York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York
YO31 7EX or B.Arnall@yorksj.ac.uk. Brett
would also love to hear from anyone with sporting photographs that
they would like to share with the University.
Picture shows: York City Knights player and coach Chris
Thorman with John Maw as he takes the first kick of the rugby
ball.
For further press information please contact Louise
McKenzie, PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or
E: l.mckenzie@yorksj.ac.uk
