UWTSD supports weekend of outstanding endurance sport

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) supported a weekend of outstanding endurance sport in Swansea on August 6 & 7.

The Volvo 2022 World Triathlon Para Series event with a swim, bike and run all centred around the SA1 waterfront as a hub and the IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea attracted thousands of athletes and spectators and significantly boosted the local economy.

UWTSD buildings at the University’s SA1 Waterfront campus were made available to organisers, athletes, their families during the weekend.

Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of UWTSD's Swansea and Cardiff campuses said: "With our main campus here in the heart of the city, we think it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and participation in sport by showcasing the very best para-athletes here in the city centre.

"We're very excited about the opportunities for our own students to engage in the events and also to be inspired to take up sports as part of not just their studies but for a healthier lifestyle."

The events were the culmination of a week of activity - including a Para Sport Festival - that inspired people to take part in and enjoy sport.

Organisers were IRONMAN and British Triathlon; key supporters also included Swansea Council and Welsh Government.

This year’s event was part of a three-year commitment to host a World Triathlon Para Series race in Swansea through to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Stuart Searle Head of Brand Partnerships at British Triathlon said: “On behalf of everyone at British Triathlon and the stakeholders of the Swansea WTPS event, we’d like to say a huge thank you for your support of the Volvo 2022 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea. As the first stand-alone World Triathlon Para Series event in the UK, part of our disability sport festival strategy together with Welsh Government, it was an incredible day of racing from the Super Series races, GO TRI disability, blue carpet experience and elite athletes competing on the world stage.

“The ability to partner with your institution, to base our event offices and staff in your facilities, to use your catering and staff around our VIP offering and generally collaborate with you around the event’s infrastructure and operational elements was paramount in delivering a really successful event. We were delighted to be able to showcase the UWTSD facilities and brand around the course and site and we’re already very excited to work with you in 2023 and beyond.”

The University is also sponsoring this year’s IRONKIDS Wales event on September 10 as part of its collaborative partnership with IRONMAN Wales.

The partnership, which also includes sponsorship of the IRONMAN Wales volunteer programme, will provide opportunities for students and staff to collaborate with IRONMAN on areas related to the University’s portfolio including sports, health and wellbeing, tourism, hospitality, events management as well as film and media.  It will also provide opportunities for applied research including the possibility of undertaking impact studies and reports to inform IRONMAN Wales in its business planning and future strategy.  

The IRONKIDS event offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. The University is an integral part of its local community collaborating with partners to make a positive contribution to the region and its citizens in a variety of ways.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk