The sporting achievements of Aberystwyth University students are being recognised with a new sports award, the first winners of which have been announced.

The Sports Merit Award recognises students who have excelled in their chosen discipline and their contributions to the university’s sports clubs and societies.

Funded by the university’s alumni through the Aber Fund, the award winners this year are Christopher Cassells (archery), James Coulton (rugby union) and Zenan Ibrahim (pool).

They were selected from a field of 41 applicants by a panel representing the university and the Aberystwyth Students’ Union.

Christopher is studying marketing with management and is the 2018 BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) indoor and outdoor champion.

He represented Wales at Euronations 2018 and was placed fifth as an individual and second in the team competition. He currently holds eight Welsh and one UK records.

He said: “This award will help me to invest in the necessary equipment, train and compete to strive to be at the highest level that I can be.”

Law student James is the captain of the university’s rugby first XV and has represented Aberystwyth University at the Welsh Academicals.

James also coaches a number of other teams within the university.

Zenan is studying business and is the co-founder of Aberystwyth University Pool Club. Zenan has been club captain for the past two years and is currently its president.

He led the university’s pool team to victory at the Welsh University Championships and represented Welsh university students at the Homenation in Aberdeen in 2017.

Zenan said: “Getting the sport merit award is really exciting as well as motivating.”

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