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, the University launched its Higher Education Without Barriers Fund. The Fund provides opportunities for motivated students to study and succeed at Northumbria regardless of their background.  So far, £2.3m has been raised and almost 2,000 students have benefitted from outreach activities, scholarships, hardship bursaries, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and student enterprise activities.

On Friday 20 October, we are hosting Northumbria University’s Sport Dinner at St James’ Park, which will raise money for the Higher Education Without Barriers Fund, and we are inviting the University’s community of alumni, staff, students and supporters to join us. For businesses, it’s an ideal opportunity to align your CSR agenda to a high-profile campaign and support Northumbria University students. All proceeds from ticket sales, and associated fundraising activities, will go directly to the Fund.

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 5 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. 

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

Peter Bakare, Olympic volleyball player

Steve Cram CBE, Olympic track and field runner

Grace Donnelly, Newcastle United Women Team Goalkeeper

Jon Dutton OBE, Chief Executive, British Cycling and former Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021

Zoe Hornby, England Rugby League player

Ian Payne, Presenter, Tyne Tees Television

Your generosity will:

• provide scholarships for underrepresented students to pursue their academic studies and develop their sporting talents as athletes, coaches or officials;
• develop sport volunteering and internship programmes that enhance students’ leadership and employability skills;
• fund PhD studies in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation;
• provide learning resources, kit and equipment for students to reach their potential in sport and increase diversity in the sporting arena; and
• extend sport participation and physical activity programmes, including the NUTHINKING mental health and wellbeing programme.