Pictured: England cricketer Ian Bell with Coventry
University's Team Phoenix cricket squad, the reigning BUCS national
indoor cricket champions
England cricketer Ian Bell was awarded an honorary degree by
Coventry University on Wednesday 23rd Novemebr in recognition of
his contribution to sport and of his recent work with the West
Midlands-based Acorns Children's charity.
The star batsman was made an Honorary Doctor of Business
Administration (DBA) during the University's awards ceremonies in
Coventry Cathedral, which are taking place every day this week as
part of the annual graduation events.
Prior to receiving the award Mr Bell met with Coventry
University's Team Phoenix cricket squad, whose players won the
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) national indoor
cricket championship in 2010/11 and are through to the final again
this year.
Born in Coventry's Walsgrave hospital in 1982, Mr Bell showed
promise as a sportsman from an early age, demonstrating a special
talent for cricket.
After becoming Warwickshire County Cricket Club's youngest ever
centurion at 19-years-old, he went on to make his test debut for
England in 2004 and a year later was part of the team which
regained the Ashes from Australia for the first time since 1987. He
has since played a pivotal role in sealing England's status as the
number one test team in world cricket.
Last year Mr Bell was awarded a Benefit Year for 2011 by
Warwickshire County Cricket Club for his loyalty to the club over
the past decade.
Over 50 students from Coventry University have volunteered to
help run events as part of Mr Bell's Benefit Year celebrations, and
in December several of the University's Events Management
undergraduates will help organise the cricketing ace's Christmas
Benefit Ball which supports the Acorn Children's Hospice.
Mr Bell said:
"Having lived in the region throughout my lifetime, it's a
massive honour to be presented with this Honorary Doctor of
Business Administration, and I would like to thank everyone at
Coventry University for making this presentation today.
"It's great to be recognised for my work off the field, as well
as for my performances with England and Warwickshire. Acorns
Hospice does a fantastic job in supporting thousands of children
and their families across the Midlands, and I feel very privileged
to have been made one of its Patrons. It's the nominated charity
for my 2011 Benefit Year with Warwickshire and I'm hoping that the
funds raised can make a big influence on the great work that this
charity does in the future."
Professor Madeleine Atkins, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry
University, said:
"We are delighted that Ian Bell was able to join us at
Wednesday's award ceremony in Coventry Cathedral to receive his
honorary degree.
"Ian's continued support of Warwickshire County Cricket Club,
his subsequent success on the world stage with the England team and
his recent work with the Acorns Children's Hospice in the West
Midlands make him an outstanding example not only of British
sporting excellence, but of a successful athlete giving something
back to his local community. It is with great pleasure that we are
awarding Ian this honorary degree in recognition of those
accomplishments."
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk