University Congratulates Commonwealth Athletes

Bangor University took the opportunity recently to congratulate those members of Wales’ successful Commonwealth Games squad connected with the University.

Wales’ first Gold Medal in the Commonwealth Games was secured by Gareth (Gaz) Evans, a member of Bangor University staff working at the University’s Canolfan Brailsford, and one of five weightlifters connected to the University, while squash player, Tesni Evans, a Bangor University Local Athlete Bursary winner, added a Bronze Medal to Wales’ tally at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Other members of the squad experienced the Commonwealth Games and performed well, providing much hope for the future.

Congratulating the staff, students and alumni of the University, Vice-Chancellor John G Hughes told them:

“You have done Wales proud and you have done Bangor University proud. You are fantastic role models for our University community and I congratulate you all on your achievements.”

Chair of Weightlifting Wales, Barry Eaton congratulated all the weightlifters on their performances, revealing his prediction that: “In addition to Gareth’s medal success, what we have here is a stream of talent, which I’m sure hold future medals for Wales.”

Describing Weightlifting Wales’ move to Canolfan Brailsford, he said: “The sports facilities at Bangor University are second to none, and the best in Wales for weightlifting.”

Richard Bennett, Bangor University Director of Sport, said: “We have invested in our facilities and in our elite athletes over the last few years, and it has been a huge honour to back these individuals in the Wales squad. We are delighted to be able to thank them for their superb performances.”

Professor John G Hughes presented each member of the Team with a commemorative plaque. Those attending then enjoyed a ‘Gold Medal’ cake.

Gareth Evans: “It’s been a crazy few weeks since I took the gold on the sixth of April in the Commonwealth Games. Since we landed, I have been trying to chill out but not so successfully. There’s quite a lot of media commitments and stuff like that to attend. I’m back at work as well. We landed back on Tuesday the 17th and I was back at work on the Friday. I can’t thank Bangor University enough for the support they have given me with my Commonwealth adventure and hopefully bringing back the Gold has repaid the favour shown me!

“It was nice to be awarded as well with a plaque by the University, they have really shown their support and how much they appreciate what we have done at the competition as well.”

The ‘Bangor’ contingent in the Wales squad included:

WEIGHTLIFTING

Seth Casidsid - Psychology graduate who works at Canolfan Brailsford

Gareth Evans - Canolfan Brailsford Sports Assistant, represented GB in London Olympics

Catrin Jones - Psychology student and winner of the BBC Wales Carwyn James Young Sportswoman of the Year 2017 award.

Harry Misangyi - Sports Science student

Hannah Powell - Sports Science graduate, works for Welsh Weightlifting who are based at Canolfan Brailsford.

SQUASH

Tesni Evans - trains at Bangor University, is current British National Champion, ranked #12 in the world. Tesni was competing and unable to attend the event.

Bangor University supports elite athletes by offering annual Sports Scholarships to its students and talented local athletes. Seth, Hannah, Catrin and Harry have all benefited from these Scholarships over the last few years.

Publication date: 2 May 2018