University athletes bid to be top of the class

THE first five sports to be staged at next year's British University Championships in Sheffield have been announced.

Athletics, hockey, judo, basketball and water-polo will all contest their national team or individual titles at a variety of venues across the city (March 13-16.)

The Championships is a new event which will see over 6,000 competitors and an estimated 3,600 spectators enjoying four days of top-class competition.

It will prepare many young athletes to compete at the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Michelle Dite, director of events for the organisers, said: "With over 20 sports to be staged across four days of competition, we expect a vibrant atmosphere in Sheffield.

"The first five sports will be staged at venues including the English Institute of Sport, Ponds Forge, Sheffield University and iceSheffield."

The Championships acts as a culmination of a year-round programme for university athletes.

Many former students have gone on to achieve British and international success in their sports, including athlete Paula Radcliffe, England cricketer Monty Panesar, Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell and rugby star Will Greenwood.

It is estimated the event will produce 2m to the local economy.