Northumbria University's Sport Dinner

Friday, 20 October 2023 at 6.30pm - midnight                                                                             
St James' Park, The Barracks, Newcastle NE1 4ST (Getting there)

In 2022, Northumbria University launched its Higher Education Without Barriers fund to enable talented students from all backgrounds to access higher education. Made possible by the generosity of business and individual donors, it has raised over £2m and benefited more than 800 students so far in outreach, scholarships, hardship, well-being, and enterprise.

Northumbria is now extending its fundraising efforts to create sport scholarships for students with the potential to excel both at university and in the sporting arena. The aim of the scholarships is to widen participation and diversity in both Higher Education and Sport. The fund will also provide PhD studentships for scholars from low participation backgrounds; provide enhanced learning resources and extend sport volunteering and wellbeing programmes.

On Friday, 20 October, we welcome business, alumni and supporters to join us at St James' Park for Northumbria University's Sport Dinner in support of the Higher Education Without Barriers fund. Our dinner speakers and panel members will talk about the highlights of their sporting careers and have a lively discussion about how their experiences have given them the energy and resilience to flourish beyond the sporting arena.

Confirmed speakers include:

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, DL – As one of Britain's greatest Paralympic athletes, Tanni amassed a remarkable medal haul over 16 years and five Paralympic Games of 11 golds, 4 silvers and 1 bronze. In 2005 she became Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson for her services to sport and, in 2010, was created a life peer. She is Chancellor of Northumbria University and holds several high-profile positions within many charities and sporting bodies.

Shola Ameobi – Shola played at Newcastle United for 14 years, making 397 official appearances and scoring 79 goals. He is now a trustee of the Foundation and is actively involved in charity work to empower people who are experiencing setbacks to turn their lives around. 

Tanni, Shola will be joined by an energetic panel of Northumbria University alumni including:

• Peter Bakare – British Olympic volleyball player and digital creative marketer.
• Steve Cram CBE – Former World Champion middle distance runner, and current television presenter and commentator.
• Jon Dutton – CEO of British Cycling and former CEO of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
• Kerry-Anne Hastings – Scottish hockey player and former Sport President of the University.
• Zoe Hornby – England Rugby League player and current student.

Your generosity will:

• provide scholarships for underrepresented students to pursue their academic studies and develop their sporting talents as athletes, coaches or officials.
• support the development of sport volunteering and internship programmes that enhance students’ leadership and employability skills.
• fund research studentships for gifted scholars to undertake PhD studies in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation (which ranks 5th in the UK for research power).
• Provide learning resources, kit and equipment for students to reach their potential in sport and increase diversity in the sporting arena.
• extend sport participation and physical activity programmes, including the NUTHINKING mental health and wellbeing programme.

Supporters