KEEPING students and staff motivated to stay active during lockdown has earned a member of staff at the University of Chester a place in the running for a national award.

Ali Burkett, development officer in the university’s sport and active lifestyle team, has been shortlisted for a BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Unsung Hero of the Year award.

Ali had only just joined the team when the pandemic caused the first national lockdown.

She project managed the university’s Active Campus programme, which saw her contribute to a whole programme of physical challenges, virtual challenges and fun physical activities to keep students and staff active throughout lockdown, including home workouts, step challenges, ‘deskercise’ and fun exercises to do while doing household chores.

Ali was also involved in the creation of the university’s ‘Chester Rules’ activities which ran through the autumn term, developing adapted guidelines for sports which could be played with social distancing and allow students who were anxious about engaging in sport to take part in a fun and safe manner.

These activities included socially distanced football; urban golf; archery; footgolf; tennis; short tennis; table tennis; badminton; walking and running sessions and e-sports. This proved hugely successful with over 500 students taking part in the first two weeks.

Gordon Reay, senior operations manager of Sport and Active Lifestyle and director of the university’s Athletics Union, nominated Ali for the award.

He said: “Ali is always positive, always smiling and always on top of her game. I’ve never quite met someone who is so creative and upbeat all the time and the team around her feed off her enthusiasm and drive."

Ali said: “I am surprised and honoured to have been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award. With the challenges of the past year and all the fantastic work throughout the sector, I am really proud to be recognised for my role in adapting our services to help the University community to continue to be physically active.”