UniSport Australia chief executive Knapp to step down at end of year

$\the chief executive of UniSport Don Knapp will leave his role at the end of 2018 ©UniSport Australia$

Don Knapp, chief executive of UniSport Australia, the governing body of university sport in the county, will step down from his role at the end of 2018, it has been announced.

Chair David Schmude revealed the news, saying Knapp’s decision will end a "remarkable career" dedicated to university sport.

"On behalf of the Board, staff, and all member universities, we owe Don our collective thanks and acknowledgment for his tireless dedication, integrity, and determination to build the value of university sport and elevate its position as a key component of the higher education experience," Schmunde said.

"As chief executive officer of UniSport since 2007, Don can take pride in strategically guiding the organisation and university sport sector through unprecedented periods of growth and transformational change."

Knapp’s achievements at UniSport include the introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee, banning alcohol sponsorship at UniSport events and introducing live streaming and Fox Sports coverage of UniSport nationals.

"Don’s commitment to domestic and international university sport programs has resulted in increased funding from the Australian Sports Commission [now Sport Australia]; securing the Regional University Sport Funding grant of AUD$10 million (£6 million/€6.5 million) from the Federal Government for 2007 to 2010," Schmude said.

"His diligent work to cement UniSport as the peak body governing university sport in Australia has strengthened partnerships with Sport Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Australia, the International University Sports Federation and Universities Australia."