2 September2004

Charles Darwin University Sport’s 600 members are set to benefit from the 15 years of sports management experience of its new General Manager and the motivation of a world-class triathlete.

Sophie Joynes, Fitness and recreation Coordinator at Charles Darwin University Sport

James Nightingale, General Manager, Charles Darwin University Sport

“It’s an exciting time for Charles Darwin University Sport with a spectrum of new possibilities. It’s a great time for growth,” the new General Manager of Charles Darwin University Sport, Mr James Nightingale, remarked.

Appointed recently, Mr Nightingale has worked with a number of other facility management organisations and held key business development roles in the recreation and sport industry that include the design feedback and implementation of new facilities

Mr Nightingale said his approach is probably best summed up by the words of Lou Holtz, a very successful American college football coach.

“Lou Holtz said that the key to a successful and happy sporting career and life centres around doing the right thing, being the best you can be and showing people you care.”

“Doing, being and showing - that is that attitude of excellence we’ll be working on.”

The focus of Charles Darwin University Sport in the immediate future has many facets:

• Increasing participation at the Australian University Games and Northern University Games
  
• Improving the service and increasing the size of Fitness Unlimited
  
• Increasing programs and services at all University Campuses and Centres
  
• Increasing student participation in active and passive programs
  
• Developing the facilities.

In another addition, international amateur triathlete, Sophie Joynes, is growing into her new role as Charles Darwin University Sport’s Fitness and Recreation Coordinator.

Ms Joynes recently left the military – where she conducted physical training lessons in the Army for a four-year period while completing her fitness Certificates 3 and 4 through the University - to pursue her professional triathlon career.

Her dream is fast becoming a reality. Ms Joynes won silver in the 20-24 age group at the World Triathlon Championships held in Portugal this year and is aiming for gold at the 2005 World Champs in Hawaii.