大象传媒

If you think that all students do is struggle to attend their 9am lectures, miss their mother's cooking and only exercise their arms at the cheapest bar, then the newly named elite athletes can put that myth to rest.

The award, organised by the University Sport Sunderland (USS ), is open to students studying at the University of Sunderland who compete at an advanced level of sport and includes bursaries to help the students achieve their full potential.

The University of Sunderland's director of sport, Ivan Whitfield, told how the award will help the students:

"We've tried to tailor a scheme that gives the athletes the support they need. Financial support can go towards their training, equipment and anything they need in that line.

"The support from the university allows a certain amount of flexibility around the academic work which makes it possible for them to compete, regionally, nationally and internationally."

大象传媒 Wear spoke to some of the students who received the award:

For love not money

One of the athletes who received the award is Sunderland-born Andrew Burton and he is currently number one in the country, World United Martial Arts (WUMA) champion and is very proud of his roots in the North East and successfully defended his WUMA world welterweight championship in Sunderland.

Andrew is a 3 times WUMA Champion

He said: "I was offered a place at Loughborough University but turned it down to stop in Sunderland, mainly for my sport - kick-boxing.

"Where I was three years ago, to where I am now, it was definitely the right choice to stop here."

One of many career highlights for Andrew is representing the country in Italy and fighting all over the country.

While studying Sport and Exercise Development he takes his degree seriously because it is not all about the money.

"There is no money in kick-boxing, I'm classed as pro, but you could never ever make a living out of it, so it is all for the love of the sport."

From Sunderland to India

Vishal has been playing cricket since the age of three and has recently been signed up on a junior contract with Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Vishal collects his award

However, he is keeping his feet on the ground and thought hard about his studies:

"I thought broadcast journalism was the choice for me ... I've kind of got my life planned out. Play professional, retire at x age and then report on Sky Sports or something," said Vishal.

Also as a reward for his outstanding achievements for Lancs Vishal has been asked to attend a training course and work with other professionals in India:

"When I first heard about it I was sat twiddling my thumbs thinking 'Am I going to get on this course?' but the head of cricket at Lancs said 'don't worry about it' and it was a reward for what I've done last year.

"Freddie [Andrew Flintoff] is one of them we're going out with and it will be an experience to be around a person like him," said Vishal.

Holly is a qualified KUGB instructor

The training was perfect

Holly has been competing internationally in Karate since she was 16 and came first in the National Championships. In March 2008 she was named British Universities Karate Champion. Originally from Dover, Holly explains why she made the long trek up north.

She said: "The training up here is so good. I had friends up here and I came to stay with them so I got to know the area.

"I fell in love with the area and the training was perfect," said the champion.

One of Holly's personal highlights was achieving second place at the European championships but, with the help of the elite award status, she is determined to improve.

"The funding will help me with my training and courses that, without them, I probably would not be able to attend," said Holly.