University Presidents Advocate Balance Between Education and Sport

Presidents from a number of world-renowned universities stressed on Saturday that a good balance between education and sport in university is very important.

The comment came during exclusive interviews with CRI as the world university presidents' forum began in Shenzhen.

Lap-Chee Tsui, President of the University of Hong Kong, said that there is no physical education (PE) class in his university, yet compared with other universities, the University of Hong Kong takes part in and organizes more sports activities.

"Education and sport needs a balanced development. We don't want to oppress the students. First, we assess a student's entrance application according to strict standards. Then, we give them freedom, allowing students to take part in sports based on their own interests. Students can join any of the 13 school clubs, all of which have their own strict rules. The standards at the clubs help students achieve their best ability. In Hong Kong, my university maintains a student employment rate of 99.7%, even when the city's average rate dropped to its lowest of 50%", he said.

Hugh R. Brady, President of Ireland's University College Dublin, praised China's quick development of physical education.

"It seems to be developing very quickly. I was struck by the country's gradual progression in sports. Clearly, you look at the success of the Beijing Olympic Games. Besides rational sports, tennis and golf have also come through to the world level. The government's investment is paying off." Hugh said.

As for his university, Hugh noted that it placed great emphasis on the balance between education and sport. The institution gives students a world-class education, but also emphasizes the importance of performing arts and sports in a student's life. Freshmen are even encouraged to partake in sports during their very first week at university.

Meanwhile, University College Dublin provides financial support for a small number of students doing sports. They provide financial help in terms of scholarships and contributions towards accommodation and training requirements. However, under a modest scholarship, only 25 students per year benefit.

"A balance of education and sport is necessary, since the duration of one's sporting life is very short. In school, all the students have to earn their degree. If we at least have a degree, we have a future." Hugh said.

Uchida Katsuichi, President of Japan's Waseda University, believes that students cannot take part in the sports for their entire life, because they have to enter into the world of professional work after graduation. Therefore, he stressed that all budding sportsmen and women, including gymnastic students, require a good education.

When he heard the news that a former Universiade champion, Zhang Shangwu, was begging on the street after retiring from the China national team, he was extremely surprised because in Japan most gymnastic students would be able to find a good job after graduating from university.

"The combination of sports and education is very important. In my university, most students, including gymnastic students, could work in big corporations like Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic, because they have received a good education prior to their graduation," he revealed.