Award winners include Pesche Cordell an international equestrian champion, Ella Jenkins BUCS League Champion and member of the women’s rugby Kent County Squad, and Matthew Storey a double European Champion in Taekwondo.

The event was held at the Spitfire Ground St. Lawrence, home of Kent Cricket. It featured an inspiring speech from Peace Proscovia, professional Ugandan netball player for Surrey Storm and the current captain of the Uganda national team. There were additionally some warm words of welcome and motivation from the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rama Thirunamachandran OBE.

The University is committed to supporting student-athletes to succeed in both their academic and sporting pursuits, through the Sport Scholarship programme. The University is recognised by Sport England’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) as a Dual Career Accredited Site which acknowledges an enhanced level of academic flexibility allowing talented athletes to balance their studies alongside a sporting schedule.

Pesche Cordell – Performance Scholar of the Year

Pesche Cordell, a Business Management and Sport & Exercise Science student and is President of the Christ Church Women’s Hockey Club. She is recognised on the National and international stage for equestrian, including 1st place whilst jumping as part of the Kent U21 team at the National Championships, and 1st Place at the Chepstow Spring International Silver Tour.

Ella Jenkins – Outstanding Contribution

Ella Jenkins studies Criminology and Sport & Exercise Science and is a multifaceted athlete and leader. As President of CCCU Women’s Rugby, Ella helped lead the team to win the treble by being crowned BUCS League Champions, BUCS Southeast Conference Cup Champions and Varsity winners. Success on the rugby field has continued to follow her, as most recently she has been selected as part of the Senior Women’s Kent County Squad.

Matthew Storey – Elite Scholar of the Year

Sport Scholar and MSc Strength and Conditioning student Matt Storey achieves in both taekwondo and academics, showcasing resilience and determination. Despite setbacks due to injuries, Matt's achievements include clinching Gold in Individual Patterns at the ITFU British Championship, at the Carabao Cup in Belgium, the Rotterdam Cup, at the British University Taekwondo League World Championships and the ITFU European Championships in Madrid. He also secured gold in sparring at the European Championships making him a double European Champion.

Harrison Patching-Scott – Potential Scholar of the Year

Harrison is a Photography student and current Vice-President of the CCCU Sport community. He has been instrumental in securing promotion for the Men’s Hockey team with his achievements and contributions noteworthy.

Paul Carney, Director of Sport & Active Health Paul Carney, said: “This was an excellent afternoon celebrating our Sports Scholars. We have some incredible sportspeople at the University, and it’s wonderful to give them an opportunity to shine and celebrate their achievements. It takes a huge team effort to deliver such an amazing programme of support to our sport scholars – and this event has been a real high note in a challenging year.”

Enterprise Mobility sponsored this year's event, which was attended by the newly appointed Sheriff of Canterbury, along with several other notable guests.