Orkney College UHI  has signed a pledge that recognises the unique role, value and potential that sport and physical activity has to enhance College life. 

Stew Fowlie,  Scottish Student Sport and the Highlands and Islands Student Association, was visiting the College and Professor  Eddie Abbott-Halpin Orkney College UHI Principal saw this as an opportunity to help develop sport at Orkney College UHI, and Orkney more widely.

Professor Eddie Abbott-Halpin said:

“By signing the College Sport Award pledge, I feel that between our students &  staff here at the College and the Highlands and Islands Student Association we can really make sport and physical activity more widely a more prominent feature of Orcadian student life.”

 “As educators we realise the key part that wellbeing and mental health plays in a student’s life and has a direct impact upon their wider experience at College.

“By signing this pledge we aim to progress work that will not only increase the physical activity of our students, but also help athletes across the county. We are working with a range of partners on several projects to meet this aim.”

L to R – Joanne Wallace (Assistant Principal, Orkney College UHI, Prof Eddie Abbott-Halpin, (Principal Orkney College UHI) and Stew Fowlie (Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Student Sport), missing from picture is Emma Robson (Student Activities Coordinator, Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA))

The College Sport Award is a framework that colleges can use to develop sport and a more active place of study and work. Orkney College UHI will be working towards Bronze level.

Stew Fowlie said:

‘It was a great pleasure to visit the staff at Orkney College UHI, and in particular to spend some quality time with Principal Eddie Abbot-Halpin talking about the future of physical activity and sport at the College.

“I got a clear sense of his commitment to active student lifestyles and I am certain that the College – with strong support amongst both students and staff – will do all that they can to advance this important agenda over the years to come.

“Orkney College may be a small institution but it has big ambitions, and I look forward to supporting their future progress through the SSS College Sport Award.’