RGU students to ride out as part of Team GB

Two student horse riding champions from Robert Gordon University are gearing up to represent their country as part of Team GB next week, at the International University Equestrian Federation's Student Riders Nations Cup which will take place this year from 10 to 12 July near Lyon in France. They are two of just three individuals who have been selected for the GB team from across the UK.

Eilidh Middleton (19), a three-day-eventer from Finzean, will join seasoned competitor Rebecca Stephen (20) from Whiterashes as part of the national squad for the first time, after claiming the individual show jumping title at the British universities competition back in April. Rebecca, whose International University Equestrian Federation team was ranked World Number 1 for dressage at another international event at the beginning of the year, hopes their combined strengths will prove triumphant as they go up against the world's best.

She said: "I think we will work very well together. We know when to back off and when to push each other on and it will be lovely to have Eilidh there as a friend as well as a team member. We feel pretty confident but you never know how you'll be placed in the end; we are both determined people so we will try our very hardest. To represent Britain is something I've always wanted to do and I think it's something everyone dreams of so it is a great honour for us."

Both young athletes are currently sponsored by Technip under the RGU: SPORT Scholarship Programme at Robert Gordon University and benefit from a range of tailor-made programmes designed to suit their individual needs, including
strength and conditioning sessions, financial assistance and lifestyle management.

Eilidh, who has just completed her second year of a degree in Management,believes the scholarship has gone a long way towards raising the standard she is competing at. She said: "I have noticed a huge difference as a result of the
strength training I receive as part of the Scholarship Programme - I can last much longer without tiring. It's also great knowing that I have support behind me from coaches, sponsors and fellow scholars."

Both members of RGU's student horse riding club, Eilidh and Rebecca have already enjoyed joint success this year after their four-strong team won the regional heat of the BUCS Equestrian Championship and went on to be placed second in the team section of the national finals. Competing at university level for the first
time, Eilidh even managed to steal the show jumping crown from current Young Rider Gold Medalist, Emily Llewellen, at the event.

About to embark on her third year of a degree in Sports and Exercise Science,Rebecca has been supported by Technip as part of the Scholarship Programme for two years running. Since joining the programme, the former Ellon Academy pupil has enjoyed some of her most successful achievements to date.

Katrine Sharp, HR Director at Technip, said, "These scholarships aim to enhance the athletes' chances of success in their respective sports, which will have direct benefits for the students themselves, the region, and ultimately, the nation.

"With the focus on the 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2012 Olympics, many of the future British Team are likely to be entering university over the coming years and will be greatly aided by initiatives of this kind.  We are avid supporters of nurturing future talent and are extremely pleased to once again have the
opportunity to support both sporting and academic excellence."

Further information on the scholarships, including how to apply, is available from: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/rgusport Anyone interested in aiding the Programme should contact Radha Thomas, Development Manager, for details on 01224 262033.