Queen’s rowers have hit the headlines in recent months, bringing home medals from the Olympic Games in Paris and showcasing the ability nurtured in Queen’s Sport. The partnership will result in a £150k investment over three years to the newly named Options Rowing Academy, supporting students to improve their ability whilst excelling in their studies.  

Speaking about the investment, Caroline Young Vice-President of Students and Corporate Services said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievement of our athletes who have flown the flag for Queen’s at the Olympic games and across the world.

We very much welcome the investment that Options has shown in our students and their futures. There is a lot of dedication and hard work involved for our students in pursing their sporting goals whilst studying so it’s important that we take measures to support them in that.  

This kind of investment can keep them on track on their course in their research, and ensure that they can develop their sporting skills at local and regional level or at the highest levels in national and world rowing.”

Welcoming the sponsorship, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Eddie Friel, said:

“The generous sponsorship will support students to improve their ability whilst excelling in their studies. It will also deliver financial backing for training and regattas to ensure athletes maintain a balance between the pursuit of sporting goals and a world-class education at Queen’s University.”

Former Queen’s graduate, Danny Moore, President and CEO at Options said: “At Options, our commitment to supporting local communities and fostering exceptional talent is at the heart of everything we do. Our continued partnership with Queen’s Rowing is a powerful reflection of those values.”

With the launch of the Options Rowing Academy, we are proud to establish a collaboration that will nurture the next generation of athletes and leaders. By providing the resources and support they need, we aim to empower these students to achieve excellence both on the water and in their academic and professional pursuits.”

Queen’s Graduate and Options employee Ryan Ballantine said:

“At a company like Options, we feel that it is really important for us to support student athletes. As a former Elite Athlete at Queen's, I can appreciate the challenges they face, and the amount of time and energy required to excel in sporting and academic terms. The financial support from Options will enable rowers to go to regattas, take part in competitive rowing and to thoroughly enjoy that experience."

 

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