Monday 17-08-2020 - 12:21

 

 

The University of the Highlands and Islands and the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) have recognised Scottish international rugby player, Jade Konkel, with an Honorary Blue award. Introduced in 2017, the Sporting Blues Awards acknowledge the sporting excellence of the university’s students and alumni.

 

Jade (26), from Inverness and raised in the Black Isle, completed a HNC in social care at Inverness College UHI in 2012 when she was selected into the Scotland Women’s U20 squad. Having previously played for Hillhead Jordanhill in Glasgow, and a full season in the Top 8 French Championship where she was shortlisted in the top three for ‘Best Player in the Top 8’, Jade now plays for Premiership Club, Harlequins.

 

The Sporting Blues awards scheme is a joint initiative between the university and HISA, with the Blues being awarded to student winners. This year, a substantial number of nominations were received. The Honorary Blues are awarded to athletes connected with the university who have made outstanding contributions to Scottish, British or World Sport.

 

When presented with her award, Jade spoke about how much she had enjoyed her studies and her pride in being one of this year’s recipients of an Honorary Blue from the university.

 

When asked about the benefits sports can have on students, Jade said: 

 

“The power of sport is fascinating. In so many ways, sport can teach you many lessons in life. Sport can teach you to dream big, set goals and dedicate yourself to achieve those goals that you never thought at first were possible. It teaches you the importance of hard work, perseverance and gives you the ability to turn failures into feedback. Joining a sports team is a great way to meet people, build new friendships and become part of a single heartbeat that defines a team."

 

HISA President, Florence Jansen, added:

“It is incredibly rewarding to showcase exceptional sporting achievements like that of Jade’s and we hope her success inspires more students to participate in professional sports. HISA is proud to be able to celebrate our students who have excelled out with their studies, and we are especially proud of the positive change our students’ commitments have brought to their development and future careers.”

Dr Iain Morrison, University of the Highlands and Islands Dean of Students, added: 

“These honours have been awarded to some truly exceptional people, who are somehow able to combine their studies and other commitments with elite-level performance and competition in their sporting discipline. We are proud of each one of them and hope that their success will inspire their fellow students to similar heights, as well as further establishing the University of the Highlands and Islands as a great place to study for those participating in sport.”