Issue 581 (March 2009) - Office of Marketing and Communications

UQNEWS, MARCH 2009 ➔ 22SPORTFitnessFIRSTStill haven’t fulfilled that New Year’sresolution to get fit, learn a new skillor meet new people?It’s not too late to get started with thefantastic range of facilities and recreationaland fitness programs offered by UQ SPORT.Executive Director Kim Guerin said therehad never been a better time to make the mostof the sporting opportunities at UQ.“We’ve altered our fee structure so theconcession rate is available to all staff andstudents,” Ms Guerin said.“Also, there is no membership fee to joinUQ SPORT. This means it’s more affordablefor students and staff to participate, whetherthey want to take a dance class, have a gameof tennis, train for a triathlon or join our socialsport competition.”The concession rate applies across allUQ SPORT programs and facilities, includingthe tennis and aquatic centres, gym, andrecreational classes.UQ SPORT has also opened a new Pilatesstudio on campus offering specialised classesfor individuals and groups throughout the day.Enrolments for the recreation programclose on March 23.INFO ➔ For full programs and schedulesvisit www.uqsport.uq.edu.auBLUESTRADITIONMAINTAINEDThe University is appealing toits Blues of the past to supportthe stars of the future.UQ SPORT Executive Director Kim Guerin saidthe 2009 Blues Awards Dinner, to be held on April24 at Hillstone St Lucia Golf Links, would focuson the traits that unite athletes throughout theages.“The characteristics of perseverance,determination, dedication, passion, courage andcamaraderie continue to define UQ athletes,” MsGuerin said.ABC sportscaster Gerry Collins is the MCfor the night, which will also see the 2009 UQSPORT scholarships announced along withawards for sportsman, woman and coach of theyear.The awarding of university Blues and Half-Blues is a tradition that can be traced back morethan 170 years to the historic rivalry betweenOxford and Cambridge universities.Ms Guerin said UQ had an excellent reputationin nurturing elite athletes, and wanted to hearfrom all former Blue recipients and their familiesand friends.“Over 55 Wallabies, 60 Olympians and manyother successful athletes have benefited from theUQ Half-Blues recipient Angus Mortonoutstanding sporting facilities and services UQSPORT has to offer,” Ms Guerin said.“Following Australia’s success at the BeijingOlympics, where 16 UQ alumni took part, the2009 Annual Blues Awards Dinner is a greatopportunity to reflect on the achievements ofsportsmen and women, past and present, whohave achieved excellence.”INFO ➔ For more details or to book tickets,contact (07) 3365 8205 or danielles@uqsport.uq.edu.auBARRY ALSOPSilver success for UQCAMERON PEGGA particularly impressive piece ofsilverware is on show at UQ SPORT,and it’s all thanks to the efforts of theUniversity’s rowers.The UQ men’s coxed eights took out theOxford and Cambridge Cup in October for thefirst time in 16 years, and were rewarded with afamous silver trophy that is over 100 years old.The trophy was donated by old Blues ofOxford and Cambridge in the early 1890’sto be rowed for annually by the universitiesof Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and isestimated to be worth more than $250,000.The cup has scenes of both Cambridge andOxford and depicts pictures of rowing and thefloral emblems of England, Scotland and Wales.The angel at the top is pictured in the traditionalpose of the toast to rowing.Queensland first entered the race in 1920and won in 1922 and 1923, with both crewsstroked by Eric Freeman (after whom the UQBoatshed is now named). Queensland wonagain in 1958 and 1959 and broke tradition bytaking the trifecta in 1990, 1991 and 1992.The 2008 winning crew was coached byLincoln Handley and consisted of Ben Ward,Will Lindores, Angus Morton, Charles Ohtomo,Jonathan Trovas, Robert Lewis-Swan, SamConrad, Michel McBride and Mark Alexander.