Strathaven pupil scoops top prize in national sport science poster competition
A star pupil from South Lanarkshire has taken the top prize in a national poster competition, illustrating how sport and exercise science research is helping to improve health and sport performance.
A thought-provoking initiative delivered by The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) and the Division of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) saw students, who are studying sport and exercise science-related subjects, from over 100 schools and colleges take part in various activities through CASES Outreach Hubs.
Fifth-year Strathaven Academy pupil Ross Munro, whose winning poster competition entry wowed judges, attended a CASES Outreach Day of Sport Science activities at University of West Scotland Lanarkshire campus in November 2024.
Along with 120 pupils from schools across Lanarkshire, Ross learned about supporting athletes. Activities including learning about athletes training in extreme environments, how talent is identified and developed, and how to promote inclusion for athletes with disabilities.
Pupils then designed a poster summarising their learning on any of the topics. Ross was the winner put forward from UWS, who had his poster entered into the national competition consisting of 32 Outreach Hubs across the UK.
Prof John Dickinson PhD, FCASES, CASES Accredited Applied Sport Scientist is chair of the CASES Outreach Panel.
He said: "This year we have seen a significant expansion with over 30 CASES Outreach Hubs engaging with over 100 schools and colleges.
'We had a significant number of high-quality posters submitted. We are delighted with the winning poster that Ross submitted to the CASES School and College poster competition. The judges were particularly impressed with use of data at the start that added depth to the content, clear take home messages, and overall poster design.'
By winning the overall UK-wide competition, Ross has the opportunity for his school to receive a visit from a high-performance athlete.
As Ross is a keen runner, he has asked for a Scottish middle-distance runner to attend his school.
Dr Hayley McEwan and Dr Mia Burleigh from UWS who lead the Outreach Hub will work on engaging an athlete and supporting an event for the school to celebrate the success.
Ross says would like runners from his local community to be involved as he also volunteers at his Junior Park Run.
CASES is currently open to receive Expressions of Interest for institutions who would like to be an Outreach Hub and work with CASES to engage pupils aged 14-19 studying sport and exercise science based subjects.
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