Athlete James awarded funding to run in World University Games

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) student James Bowness is to represent Britain in the World University Games with the support of Sir Alex Ferguson and the Talented Athletes Programme.

PhD student James has been awarded a Sir Alex Ferguson Travel Award by the GCU Foundation to help fund his participation in the 29th Games in Taipei, Taiwan. James, who is studying in the Glasgow School for Business and Society, has been supported throughout his four years at GCU by the Talented Athletes Programme.

Runner James, who will compete in the 800m, said: “Being selected to compete is a great opportunity to represent the university in Taipei. I have never travelled outside Europe before so it will be incredibly exciting. I am very grateful to have been awarded a Sir Alex Ferguson Travel Award by the university, which has meant I have been able to focus on training and completing my PhD.

“I have been supported by the Talented Athletes Programme at GCU throughout my four years here and it has helped me immeasurably in making the leap to the next level of competition. I was close to making it to the last Olympics in Rio and hope to compete in Tokyo in 2020.”

Around 13,000 students will compete in 22 sports in the World University Games from August 19 to 30. The Games are organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

The Talented Athletes Programme at GCU is run in partnership with Glasgow and Strathclyde universities and helps promising individuals meet their sporting potential and offers access to facilities, coaching and support including physio and sports psychology.