University of Birmingham open water swimminer Guy Giles

British athletes prepare to head to Gallipoli

Around 70 university athletes from Great Britain will travel to Turkey next month, where they’ll be competing against six other countries with ties to the Gallipoli Campaign.

The British university athletes will be competing in: 3x3 basketball, tennis, rugby, swimming, beach volleyball, triathlon, cross country and cycling at the inaugural Gallipoli Games.

“We have asked our student athletes to tell us why they should represent Great Britain at these historic games,” says Karen Rothery, the head of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS).

“We have been extremely impressed at the responses.”

“Many of them have explained the historical links between their university and the events of 100 years ago, and others have focused on their extraordinary community work here in the UK, working for community harmony and the engagement of students with local people through sport.”

“What is clear is that the students are extremely excited to be part of this innovative new event,” MsRothery says.

“I am sure that it will be a great success.”

Gallipoli Games 2015, conducted under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, commences on April 25.