10 February 2000 Sports Scholarship Programme A Winner!

Lincoln University's initiative in introducing a Sports Scholarship Programme has been very successful on all fronts, says Vice-Chancellor Dr Frank Wood.

The investment made by Lincoln to introduce this scheme has already reaped rewards for the students, the sporting organisations that support them, and the community in general, he says.

A review of the progress of the first group of 60 students who were enrolled in the scheme has proven that parallel development of academic and athletic capability is possible. Students on the Lincoln programme have continued to achieve both academically and in their sporting endeavours.

Dr Wood emphasises the need for good organisation and support to help the students manage their dual commitments.

The 1999 Sports Scholars achieved an average academic pass rate higher than the overall average for first year students at Lincoln and all made considerable progress with their sporting development. Several of the Scholars achieved national honours and all met the performance targets set for them by their sporting codes.

A second intake of Sports Scholars start their studies at Lincoln this month. The rugby, cricket and netball students will this year be joined by the first intake of hockey students. Competition for the scholarships was very keen with considerable interest expressed by students from the North Island.

The Programme Manager, Geoff Ormandy, believes that the model which has been developed by Lincoln University in consultation with the sporting codes is especially appropriate at a time when many young people have difficulty in balancing their sporting and academic commitments.

The success of the scheme in its inaugural year and the interest it has generated has shown that it is meeting a demand and he says that a structured and managed involvement in both sport and academic programmes actually enhances both areas of endeavour.

Geoff Ormandy, Manager External Relations, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand