Top performers welcomed
This year's Elite Performers and Athletes program is the best yet, with a jump in enrolments and a greater diversity of talent on show.
Published on the 23 Feb 2010
Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer has welcomed the largest and most diverse intake of students to UNSW's Elite Athletes and Performers program.
One hundred and thirty students will begin the program this semester - a significant increase from 30 students in its inaugural year.
The Elite Athletes and Performers program provides undergraduate applicants with the opportunity to receive up to five bonus points on their ATAR rank for entry into their preferred UNSW program.
Elite athletes are defined according to the Australian Sports Commission's Elite Athlete Friendly University Agreement. An elite performer is a student who has demonstrated excellence through performing arts, scholastic achievement or leadership on a national or international level.
The Vice-Chancellor said he was delighted to welcome such a diverse group of performers, leaders and athletes to UNSW.
"We have built flexibility into this program to accommodate the range of needs of all students during their time at UNSW," said Professor Hilmer.
Sarah Greenbaum, 18, is a Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient and classical singer who will study a Bachelor of Arts/Law this year.
"I want to move my singing in an operatic direction which requires more training" she said. "This program is innovative, friendly and flexible, so I'll be able to manage my studies and voice training."
Matt Angel, 18, represented Australia in gymnastics when he was only 13 and aims to make the Australian team this year while managing his university study.
"I'm studying Exercise Physiology and when I graduate I'd like to develop specialised exercise programs for the NSW Institute of Sport," he said.
Olympic skier and Ben Lexcen Sports Scholar, Scott Kneller, was part of the inaugural Elite Performers and Athletes program. The 20-year-old engineering/commerce student represented Australia at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver this month.
"The program has provided me with the help and knowledge to pursue both my sporting career and university studies. The financial contribution towards my Olympic campaign has also made all the difference."
Find out more about scholarships available through UNSW's Elite Athletes Support.
Media contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | fran.strachan@unsw.edu.au