Annual Report for Sport & Active Wellbeing 2023-24

Our vision for Sport and Active Wellbeing not only encapsulates the pursuit of excellence and innovation but also embodies a commitment to making a global impact while nurturing local community ties. Through collaborative partnerships spanning various departments and stakeholders, the University’s sporting achievements are multifaceted, emphasising participation, competitive success, and personal development. 

Aiming to be the leading university for sport and active wellbeing in the UK by 2030 and globally recognised, this vision champions the transformative power of sport and active wellbeing in enhancing physical, mental, and social well-being. Our collaborative and critical work between the Sport & Exercise department within Corporate Services Group and the quasi-independent Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU) significantly contributes to the University’s broader ambitions set out in Strategy 2030. 

This work is underpinned by world-leading research and a philosophy that values physical, mental, and social health, along with the joy of belonging, achievement, and pride.

It has been a record year for Sport and Active Wellbeing at the University, much of which will be documented in the annual report. While we have tried to capture all of our progress, awards, and performances, it has not been possible to cover everything given the breadth and depth of our activities. However, it is certainly worth noting the record membership within EUSU, the greatest number of sports clubs (71) on record, and the largest ever membership of our wider gym and facilities. Our Active Lives work continues to be sector-leading, with some outstanding and very bespoke programme work that is undoubtedly changing lives. 

We have also seen exceptional performances from our student-athletes, with UK-winning team performances and numerous international medals and accolades, culminating in Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris. Not to be outdone, our roll of honour highlights outstanding achievements from our staff members at the Olympics, Paralympics, and within numerous international federations across the globe. With the largest health and fitness offering in the UK sector, we continue to hold the philosophy that sport and active wellbeing programmes can and do change lives and make the world a better place. Inclusivity is at the heart of all our activities and initiatives.

This year has also seen far greater collaborative work for ‘Sport’ across University departments, with stunning results alongside our partners in Moray House School of Education & Sport achieving International Olympic Committee Research Centre status, and colleagues in Social Responsibility & Sustainability, where Sport & Exercise and EUSU and our people have been recognised with no less than four Changemaker Awards. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support from the University’s senior management team; without their commitment, our continued progress would not be possible. This support has been notable recently, with an £8 million investment into our facility infrastructure over the next 12 months.

Our partnerships within the University, as well as externally with national governing bodies of sport, international federations, UK institutions, and global institutional partners, are key. We are delighted to welcome new partnerships this year with the International Olympic Committee, British Rowing, Aquatics GB, DP World Tour, Formula 1, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Hockey. 

We would also like to thank those who work alongside us to drive, enhance, and support our offer. Our volunteers (hundreds of), innovative staff workforce, and numerous advisors (internal & external to the University) allow us to ensure our continued success across the breadth of our offer.

As we conclude another fantastic year for Sport & Active Wellbeing at the University of Edinburgh, we look forward to delivering our new vision that intertwines the pursuit of excellence in sport and wellbeing with the broader mission of the University. Our vision is not just a roadmap; it is a collective commitment to elevate sport and active wellbeing to new heights. We call upon our entire community - students, staff, and partners - to join hands in this transformative endeavour. Together, let’s turn this vision into a living reality, creating a legacy of health, inclusivity, and excellence for generations to come

Mark Munro 

Director of Sport & Active Health

Alternative formats can be provided on request.