2009 SU Update: Minister for Sport announces Australian team

Kate Ellis, the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sport announced the Australian team for the Belgrade Summer Universiade.

The 185-strong Australian delegation, led by Chef de Mission Martin Roberts, consists of 19 Olympians attending as either competitors or coaches, highlighting the high standard of competition at the World University Summer Games.

The announcement by the Australian Minister further demonstrates the importance of sport in Australian university life. Government legislation to reintroduce a student services and amenities fee is due to be debated in the Australian Senate next week.

“As well as boosting student services, these reforms will help to sustain university sporting teams and facilities – promoting active and healthy lifestyles on campus and fostering the development of future Australian athletes” Ms Ellis said.

Australian University Sport CEO Mr Don Knapp has been vocal in his support for the reintroduction of a services and amenities fee. “Since the introduction of voluntary student unionism, direct funding for sporting clubs has been cut by 40 per cent. This has contributed to a decline in university sport participation of some 12,000 students since 2005”, said Mr Knapp. “This legislative amendment must pass through the Senate next week so we can begin work on restoring vital sport services on Australian university campuses.”

The Australian team leaves for Serbia from 25 June and will be competing in Belgrade from 1 – 12 July.