The science which helps the British Cycling Team to world-beating performances is being used to promote the benefits of academic achievement to children in care.

A Science and Sports Day is being held by the University of Cambridge on Saturday 29 January as part of its Widening Participation (WP) programme.

Former F1 racing team head Tony Purnell (pictured) will explain to the group, and their carers, how scientific research plays its part in world-class sport.

Professor Purnell, who headed the Jaguar F1 and Red Bull F1 racing teams, will be at the event to explain how science plays a vital role in the British Cycling Team’s performance.

Now a Visiting Fellow at the University’s Department of Engineering, Tony is aiming to encourage teenage children in care to develop the determination to succeed.

He said: “We place a great emphasis on doing well in sport, but the entire emphasis is on the winning athletes.

“There are many routes to getting involved in top flight sport apart from just being the athlete at the centre. Olympic athletes need back-up teams which may include mechanics, doctors, coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sports psychologists and bike designers. These team members, like the athletes themselves, need the focus and determination to make it to the top level.”

Children in care are some of the least likely to go on to any form of higher education. Only seven per cent of 19-year-olds who have been in care are at university or college – compared with more than 40 per cent of all 19-year-olds.
Tony added: “Hopefully this event will leave a mark on young people to give them the confidence that they too can contribute at a top level.”

Other presentations from students and academics will include how science is used to develop rowing coaching technology, predict football results and detect doping in athletes.
The Children in Care event is one of a series of events in the University’s WP programme which provides advice and support for state school pupils.

Jenny Mackay, of the University’s WP Team, said:
“By giving these promising young people a taste of university life we hope they will make education a priority and build on their determination to succeed.
“We want to encourage these children to seriously consider higher education in the future – at the University of Cambridge or elsewhere.”

Applications can now be submitted for the Sutton Trust Summer Schools in Cambridge which give state school pupils an insight into university studies. Around 400 pupils will be given the chance to study one of 21 subjects at the University during a free, five-day residential course.

For details of all events go to:

www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/events/

 

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