IPEK AKSIN (TUR) AND SOPHIA HUANG (CHN) SAVOURING WORLD ACADEMY OF SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS AS APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT PHASE

The World Academy of Sports continues to provide athletes with opportunities from high school to postgraduate education with UIPM athletes part of the WAoS Academic Pathway programme.

Two Modern Pentathlon representatives undertaking the prestigious Sport Management course at the University of London have been awarded financial support provided through the memorandum of understanding between UIPM and WAoS. These two new students join other three students that started studies in February 2021 and now they are among a group of over over 150 students taking the course, representing 23 sports and 64 nationalities. 

Ipek Aksin (TUR) who has won the single full scholarship and Sophia Huang (CHN) who will have 25% of her fees covered, started their studies in September. The programme can be completed over a period of five years. To be selected, applicants should show a background in UIPM Sports, studies they have already undertaken (or relevant work experience or professional references) and their level of English language proficiency.

International level pentathlete Aksin (TUR) said receiving the scholarship was a huge boost and one she is particularly grateful for: “When I learned about the full scholarship, I felt very honored. It made me so happy since getting accepted to such a prestigious university was like a dream come true. I once again realized that our organization is not just only about sports but much more. Instead being part of the big UIPM family supports you with cooperation and solidarity.

“The learning process involves virtual learning and it is up to everyone's own pace. Of course, there are some deadlines for the courses, but it is up to you to decide when you want to study. There are some reading materials as well as videos that explain the lecture. The most fascinating and enjoyable part of the lectures is lecture forums in which you can exchange ideas with fellow students. I think it is a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and sports, as the program involves several people from diverse nationalities with various sports backgrounds.  

“I believe it is crucial to understand the importance and power sports management holds. This is why educating myself in this field can assist me to understand behind the scenes of sports organizations. When I end my professional career in Modern Pentathlon, I still want to be involved in the community and do my absolute best to be effective. I hope the things I learned with this scholarship opportunity can be useful for me to reflect both in my country and in the UIPM family.”

Huang (CHN) who is also UIPM Media Coordinator for China shared her expectations from studies: “Many thanks to UIPM, I'm glad to have a chance to be part of the WAoS PGCert program. I have already started the online course of international sports management. I enjoy webinars a lot, friendly tutors, lovely classmates... It's a valuable post-school study experience. I hope after learning I can gain a full picture of sports event organization and have some insights into sports marketing. My wish that after study I can contribute more to UIPM market plan in China.”

Any UIPM athlete can now apply for a scholarship as part of the programme’s third intake. The partnership between UIPM and WAoS will again provide immediate opportunities with one fully-funded scholarship and 10 scholarships of 25% available for the WAoS/University of London Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in International Sports Management.

Additionally, WAoS is offering 100 scholarships for the WAoS Athlete Certificate which is an online course developed for student athletes aged between 15 and 18 years of age who want to gain a broader understanding of the tools needed to become successful and knowledgeable athletes. 

UIPM President Dr, Klaus Schormann underlined the continuing benefits of the partnership and the programme: “We are delighted to continue partnering with the World Academy of Sport to enable our athletes but also NF officials, staff and volunteers to acquire new qualifications through participating in WAoS’ leading education programmes. I encourage any member federation who would like their athletes to be considered for the available scholarships to apply, as this may be the first step towards an exciting new career.” 

WAoS’ Managing Director, Chris Solly, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this round of scholarships to the UIPM members after the highly successful launch of scholarships for the February and September 2021 intakes.

“The global sport industry is quickly rebounding.  It is becoming more professional and global.  The demand for highly qualified senior managers is increasing. A postgraduate qualification can give students the extra level of skill needed to progress”. 

Applications for PGCert programme scholarships are open until 10 December for the January 2022 intake. Interested applicants can apply by sending an email of intent to the UIPM at projects@pentathlon.org for more information. All applications for Athlete Certificate qualification should be submitted to the same email.

The provision of educational opportunities with WAoS is part of UIPM’s commitment to athletes through the Athletes Centered Programme (ACP).