Wednesday 22-03-2017 - 16:48

Tuesday of week 10 saw captains from Roses teams and the Vice Chancellor come together to sign the Respect the Rose pledge.

Now in its second year, the Respect the Rose campaign was established to show Lancaster and York students and staff will not stand for discrimination in sport. The pledge is signed by all team captains in York and Lancaster as well as the Sports Development Manager, Vice President Activities and Vice-Chancellors at each University.

Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, Professor Mark E. Smith has been a huge advocate of Roses since he joined Lancaster in 2012 and every year takes part in a game of Crown Green Bowls or Croquet against York's Vice Chancellor. On Tuesday the Vice Chancellor delivered a rousing speech to the Captains before signing the pledge.

Prof Smith said: "The Annual Roses contest is one of the highlights of the Lancaster year. I am constantly impressed with the dedication of our students to their sports. Away fixtures are always tough, but I am sure our teams will perform admirably. I wish them all well and am sure we will all respect the pledge. "

Jack Walker Vice-President Activities, who also spoke at the event, said: "It was great to get the opportunity for the Vice Chancellor and myself to speak to all of our Roses competing club representatives so close to the event. It gave us both the chance to give recognition to all the hard work our student competitors have put in this year and for me to thank everyone involved who helps make Roses the great event it is."

Get your Respect the Roses wristbands in your supports packs and see photos from the event here.