Three in a row for the South East at AoC Sport National Championships

The Wilkinson Sword winners at the 2019 AoC Sport National Championships are the South East region.

The region has won the coveted title for the third year in a row, finishing with 210 points, ahead of arch rivals South West, who claimed the runners-up spot with 168 points.

West Midlands placed third with 160 points, six points clear of the Eastern region in fourth place.

More than 1700 students took part in 13 different sports at the University of Nottingham and surrounding areas on April 26-28.

The event was brilliantly supported by 375 staff, 131 colleges, 45 student volunteers, countless officials, not to mention the whole team at AoC Sport.

Marcus Kingwell, Managing Director, said: “Despite tough times for colleges, more than 130 took part in this year’s National Championships, which proves just how much colleges value sport and recognise its positive impact on students.

“Sport is a great way to engage directly with young people. It’s been a privilege to help over 1700 students enjoy the excitement, teamwork and friendship that comes from being part of this amazing sporting event.”

Opening ceremony

Olympian, Commonwealth gold medallist, TV judge and gymnastics commentator Craig Heap compered and hosted the opening ceremony.

Craig introduced the performers, presented the AoC Sport Awards and spoke some inspirational words about how his experience in sport shaped his life.

The highlight of the ceremony was the superb performance by Explosive, a modern dance group made up of students from Leeds City College. The Nottingham School of Samba also took to the stage with a line of drummers to open proceedings.

Volunteers

AoC Sport recruited a record number of volunteers this year, including a student from the Royal National College for the Blind. For the first time ever there were specialist volunteers in both media and sports therapy.

A team of HE students from Nottingham College produced the highlights video of the event.

The sports therapy students from Lincoln College provided “pop up clinics” as well as pitch side management and injury assessment and advice.