Will Germany, centre, is the latest winner of the Chris Potter Sports Bursary Award ©BUCS

Will Germany from the University of Bath has been announced as the winner of this year's Chris Potter Sports Bursary Award.

Germany was awarded the full £1,000 ($1,400/€1,150) bursary for his "outstanding contribution" to the university Fencing Club at Bath.

The bursary award is offered to a student who has contributes significantly to sport both in their University and within British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

It is awarded in memory of Bristol University student Chris Potter, who served as Athletic Union President during the 1987-1988 academic year.

Potter, a hockey player and umpire, died in a swimming accident in the 1980s.

Upon receiving the news, Germany said: "I am honoured and humbled to see my name added to the list of winners of the Chris Potter Sports Bursary, and truly grateful to the family of Chris Potter and BUCS for their support.

"Fencing is a sport on the rise in Bath, and I am indebted to the Bath University Students' Union, and Team Bath, for their continued backing.

Will Germany has helped to develop the sport of fencing at his university ©Getty Images
Will Germany has helped to develop the sport of fencing at his university ©Getty Images

"I hope that through raising the awareness of the sport of fencing, more students will come to see it as an activity to enrich their university experience, and profit from the wide range of mental and physical benefits arising from participation in this fantastic sport.

"This award will ensure the continuation of the fencing club's provision of beginners' épée training for the next academic year, helping to facilitate the increasing numbers of students choosing to start this sport which has been, and will remain, a huge part of my life."

Robert Potter, chair of the Awards Panel, added: "The Chris Potter Bursary was established 27 years ago to reward undergraduates for an outstanding contribution to University or BUCS sport, be they elite sportsmen or women, club officials or ordinary sports club members. 

"This year we have set a precedent by awarding the entire £1,000 bursary to one applicant, Will Germany, chair of the Fencing Club at the University of Bath, for his vision and integrity in bridging the gap between advanced fencers and beginners and welding an integrated and successful team spirit throughout the club.

"During this time, he also achieved an increase in membership from 65 to 119."