Elite athletes come running to USQ

Close to 100 sporting stars are being supported by USQ's Elite Athlete Program in 2010

From rugby league players to Cirque du Soleil performers and everything in between, more elite athletes than ever are choosing to study at USQ.

This year USQ has close to 100 sporting stars from across Australia enrolled at the University, all of whom are getting the necessary assistance to juggle sport and study commitments through USQ’s Elite Athlete Program.

Established in 2004, the program has helped countless sportspeople over the past six years including former Wallaby Joe Roff, recently retired National Rugby League star Matt Geyer and Taekwondo Olympian Tina Morgan.

'There are all kinds of sports represented in our Elite Athlete Program and it continues to prove popular with those students who have timely sporting commitments,' USQ Elite Athlete Program Coordinator Deborah Sutton said.

'The program has been highly successful and we have a number of students graduating this year as well as new accomplished athletes who have been accepted in 2010.

'These include David Mummery who is about to undertake 10 days of trials with the Australian swim team in an effort to qualify for the Commonwealth Games while commencing study in a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws double degree.

'We support athletes such as David to get through their degrees by offering them flexibility so that they can meet their study and sporting commitments.'

This support includes assistance in organising assessments, timetables, enrolment and examinations.

'If athletes are to be recognised by the program they must be identified by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), state or territory institute or academy of sport or a relevant national association.

'We will however consider all sports and athletes.'

Anyone chasing more information on the Elite Athlete Program can contact Ms Sutton on 07 4631 1766 or visit this website.

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429