Million Plus

A leading Scottish academic completed a coast-to-coast challenge across Scotland on Wednesday 3 September by cycling, kayaking and swimming over 120 miles.

Professor Steve Olivier, Vice-Principal (Academic) at Abertay University, landed this afternoon at Broughty Ferry Castle on the east coast of Scotland, having left Dunstaffnage Castle on the west coast at 5.30am on Monday.

He crossed the country by roads, rivers and lochs to raise funds to support student sport at Abertay University. All the money raised will help send an elite student athlete for expert coaching, studying and training overseas.

As he stepped out of his kayak on Broughty Ferry beach, Professor Olivier had already raised almost half of his £3,000 target.

Professor Steve Olivier said: “I’m really pleased to help create an opportunity for an elite student athlete to broaden their horizons by training and studying overseas.

“This is really what Abertay is about – giving people new opportunities, opening the world to them and challenging them to make the most of it.

“I’d like to thank my wife Jennifer for putting up with all the training, Nick Hamilton for his organisation and support on the trip, and to everyone who has already given so generously to the fundraising effort.”

Professor Nigel Seaton, Principal of Abertay University, said: “This was an heroic effort from Steve. I’m truly impressed by what he has achieved on behalf of our students.

“This will give a promising student athlete a life-changing opportunity to travel and study overseas, stretching their training and their sporting and academic goals.”

Professor Olivier has previously completed ultra-endurance events in several sports and also serves as a volunteer crewman with the RNLI at the Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station.

He is also an active researcher, specialising in the ethics of outdoor and adventure activities. He has published widely, in a number of areas including the philosophy of sport, research ethics, sports psychology, physiology, and morphology.

To contribute to the fundraising effort, please visit the Steve Olivier Challenge Just Giving page.