Paralympian Adam Knott opens extended Jubilee Sport Centre

Wednesday 18 September marked the official unveiling of the new extension to The Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre, a significant milestone in the development of our Highfield campus.

Designed with inclusivity at its core, the facility is equipped with the latest adaptive sports equipment, giving people of all abilities the opportunity to train, compete and thrive.

Attendees were privileged to hear from alumnus Adam Knott (BA Music, 2016), a goalball player who represented Great Britain in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Adam’s inspiring story of perseverance and triumph was a reminder of the transformative power of sport.

We caught up with Adam after the event, where he reflected: “It was so special to go back and consider everything that I did at Southampton, and what the University did for me. You don’t necessarily recognise it at the time! I’ve had so much support from the University, so it was lovely to be able to give something back.

“The new facility is designed to be as inclusive as possible, and I really noticed that going around the building. Being a student isn’t easy. Getting that chance to go and use the gym for both your physical and mental wellbeing is really important.”

Despite studying music, Adam was able to keep up with his intensive training schedule during his time at Southampton. “The amount of support, both academically and sporting-wise, was brilliant. I mainly trained at Wide Lane, and I just remember having so much fun there with the strength and conditioning coaches and lifestyle support coaches. I still keep in contact with them now.”

Southampton graduates have a proud history of Olympic participation and achievement over the last 60 years. We’ve had at least one graduate competing in each of the last ten summer Games – from Seoul in 1988 to Paris this summer.

As well as being a hub for our staff and students, The Jubilee Centre will continue to serve the local community, hosting community leagues, wellness programmes and school swimming lessons, an initiative that Adam describes as “A win for everyone.”

Adam offered one key piece of advice as to how any of us could improve our mindset around sport and wellbeing: “It doesn’t have to be participating at the highest elite level, going on a treadmill or even going to the gym. It’s about getting out of your house and doing something different. Go for a walk, go for a swim in the sea. Just going to and from work – do you have to take the car? Can you walk some of the way? Can you cycle? Just being outside and being that bit more active can make a world of difference.”

Find out about membership offers for alumni: www.southampton.ac.uk/sport/memberships