Published: 08 February 2023
Our students have a strong tradition of combining their studies with a passion for sport, and we are proud to provide the support they need to fulfil their ambitions beyond the curriculum. One way in which we support our students to do this is through our Alastair Hunter Prize, which helps cover the costs of competing in a sport at representative and even national level alongside their studies.
We are delighted to share that this year’s Alastair Hunter Prize winners have now been announced. We spoke to our three prize winners about how it felt to receive the news, and the difference the funding will make to them.
Our Prize Winners
Gold Recipient - Libby Nawaro (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics)
Libby is a 2nd Year Physiotherapy student who has represented the London Region and her home club at several British National Artistic Gymnastics Championships since 2013. She has gained numerous regional titles in the sport and aims to compete at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics English Championships next month. She also hopes to qualify to compete at the 2024 British Gymnastics Championships.
Libby says: “I was so happy and grateful to receive the news of my prize. The funding will help me in so many ways, including the purchase of items such as sports tape and support bandages and hand guards for use on the asymmetric bars. The funding will also give me access to treatment which will ensure that I am in the best possible condition for future competitions.
“All of this is vital to enable me to train for the number of hours and level of difficulty necessary to achieve my goals for the coming year and will be extremely beneficial to my performance.”
Silver recipient - Ananya Sood (Bhangra Dance)
Ananya is a Final Year Medicine student and member of the St George’s Bhangra Team.
She has competed in the international competition, ‘Bhangrafest’, in 2018 and has also contributed to choreography in the sport. As a senior dancer, she hopes to continue training with and being an advisor for Ankhile Girls Bhangra team, a professional girls’ troupe based in London and Birmingham. Ananya will also continue to participate in annual competitions, performances and gigs, alongside teaching both at university and in external classes.
Ananya says: “I am very grateful to have been awarded the Silver prize, and for the chance to play a part in spreading the love for Bhangra dancing and my North Indian culture at University and beyond.
“During my undergraduate studies, I have relished all opportunities to perform locally, nationally and internationally across UK and Singapore.
“This funding will help cover the costs of costumes, studio hire, travel to rehearsals, and other training-related activity. I am most excited that the funding will allow me to attend a variety of Bhangra workshops held by established coaches and academies in the UK.”
Bronze recipient - Ethan Archer (Squash)
Ethan is studying a MSc in Sports Cardiology and competed in individual and team BUCS Squash events during his last degree. He hopes to help the newly formed Squash Society at St George’s to enter more matches this year and has ambitions to gain qualifications in squash coaching.
He says: “I feel incredibly honoured to be associated with this prize. This is a great opportunity to extend not only my ambitions in sport at St Georges but also to help others in the squash community.”
“I am keen to also represent St George’s as part of a squash club outside of the University, as well as partaking in Racketlon events.”