Students gain world-class insight at British and World Transplant Games

Sports and Exercise Therapy students Zara Tangi and Amy Robinson joined the medical support team at the British Transplant Games in Oxford, working with competitors at venues including Blenheim Palace and the University of Oxford. They also attended a seminar where athletes shared their inspiring journeys of transplantation and competitive sport.

Building on that experience, Zara went on to represent Solent at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, Germany, joining the GB Transplant Sport Therapy team for the duration of the event. She was selected by the Society of Sports Therapists as the recipient of their prestigious World Transplant Games Travelling Scholarship Award. Solent staff supported Zara with her successful application, reflecting the university’s commitment to developing students through real-world experiences.

Speaking about her time at the Games, Amy Robinson, said, “It was a really good experience, and I would recommend it for other students in the future. It was a great insight into how transplant athletes’ injuries are treated and an opportunity to hear their stories.”

Sports and Exercise Therapy Course Lead, Dr Lynsey Northeast, said, “We are incredibly proud of both Zara and Amy for being selected to work as part of the medical team at the British Transplant games. Their selection for this prestigious event is credit to their hard work and dedication to Sport and Exercise Therapy and the opportunities both have volunteered for as part of the degree programme.

“It is an incredible achievement for Zara to be awarded the World Transplant Games Travelling Student Scholarship Award out of applications from all accredited universities, and I know this has been an incredible experience for her.”

Reflecting on the experience, Zara Tangi said, “It was amazing. Such an emotional experience and I’ve met some amazing people. It was completely different to anything I’ve done so far, I’ve learnt so much.”

Both students have honed their skills as part of Solent’s highly practical BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy course, which offers extensive real-world placements.

Students gain skills in acute trauma management, injury prevention, rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, coaching, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics. With the option of a full placement year at a professional club or organisation, graduates are prepared to succeed in a variety of sporting and clinical settings.