Leeds signs Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing Sports University
The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing Sports University, China’s leading higher education institution for sport.
Jeremy Higham and Professor Yang Hua, President of the Beijing Sports University, with (l-r) Jun Beth, Chen Kun, Professor Chi Juan, Jin Xiaoping
Since 2010 the University has developed strong links with several high profile sporting organisations in China including: Beijing Sports University, whose athletes have won more than 30 gold medals at various Olympic Games, the Chinese Sports Science Society and the Chinese Olympic Committee. The latter based its pre-Olympic training camps at the University in 2012.
As part of the Olympic legacy, the University and Beijing Sports University have been working together to formalise their relationship to help broaden the horizons for students and staff at both institutions. This exciting collaboration, an outcome of the new sports strategy, will bring about a number of opportunities for students and staff, as well as research projects at both institutions.
These will include a formal student exchange programme; a sports team exchange providing pre-season training camps and competitions to develop athletes and team performances; and collaborative research projects across the fields of sport, training, coaching and performance.
Professor Jeremy Higham, who represented the University at the signing ceremony in Beijing, said: “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding brings together two great institutions with a shared goal of developing talented sports students across borders. The training facilities at Beijing Sports University are truly world-class.”
Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport, added: “The partnership is a significant step in the development of sport at the University as we continue to be recognised for delivering the best student experience.
“The agreement will provide exciting opportunities for our students and staff to work with colleagues at Beijing Sports University, inspiring them to reach their potential and enhancing our sports delivery across academia, sports performance and sports development.”
The first exchanges between the two universities will take place in September 2014.