Matthew Graham has been named winner of the 2014 Sports Person of the Year by the University of Newcastle.
Matthew, who established himself as one of the world’s leading mogul skiers, was among 21 students, past and present and four University Sports Clubs honoured at the prestigious University of Newcastle Sports Awards.
Australian Winter Olympic Athlete, Matthew Graham is currently completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Business double degree. Matt finished the 2014/15 season ranked an impressive fourth in the world which included winning his first medal (Silver) at 2015 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in Deer Valley, Utah.
The University of Newcastle Sports Awards recognise exceptional sporting achievement and are managed and presented by Newcastle University Sport (NUsport), which manages the health and fitness facilities, The Forum University and The Forum Harbourside.
NUsport CEO, Chris Hicks, said the success of the University of Newcastle’s past and present students clearly demonstrated the calibre of sports people from this region.
“Since 1955 the University has presented sporting awards that represent world-class performance and excellence,” Chris said. “The Sports Awards acknowledge the outstanding contribution, hard work and dedication of individuals, teams and the organisations behind them.”
The Sports Club of the Year was awarded to the Newcastle University Diving & Exploration Society (N.U.D.E.S) for their attainment of high standards in sports administration.
Rhali Dobson (football), Nicola Metcalfe (rowing), Matthew Graham (snow skiing – moguls), Cassandra van Breugel (swimming) and Shaun Swadling (trampoline sports) joined more than 200 of Australia’s greatest athletes, academics and business people when they were awarded the prestigious University Blue for demonstrating outstanding sporting ability when representing the University of Newcastle.
For making an outstanding contribution to the administration and organisation of University sport, University Colours were awarded to Eliza Varela (hockey), Merran Holmes (rowing) and Graham Campbell (rugby union).
The University and Friends of the University presented eight sports scholarships to students with demonstrated potential currently balancing their academic and sporting pursuits. The Friends of the University Scholarship was awarded to Ella-Rose Hugo (archery). The recipients of the University scholarships were Alicia Kier (athletics), Alicia MacDonald (cycling), Elisabeth Hulin (equestrian), Emma McDonald (swimming), Matthew George (tennis) Ryan Parker (water polo) and Jake Robinson (water polo).
As part of the celebration of 50 years of sport at the University of Newcastle, the inaugural Rugby Scholarships were presented, recognising the sport as a strong pillar in the University’s wider community landscape. The recipients of the Rugby Scholarships were Rylan Gibson, Thomas Bowcock, William Frost, Jack Mackenzie and Leo Manny.
Image | Vice Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen, Shaun Swadling, Elizabeth Hulin, Matt Graham, Rhali Dobson and previous year winner Sophie Stanwell (2013)
