The University of Leeds has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing Sport University, China's leading higher education institution for sport.
Since 2010 the University of Leeds has developed strong links with several high profile sporting organisations in China including: Beijing Sport 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 of Leeds in 2012.
As part of the Olympic legacy, the University of Leeds and Beijing Sport 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 of Leeds 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 Sport University are truly world-class.”
Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport at the University of Leeds, added: “The partnership is a significant step in the development of sport at the University as we continue to be recognised as delivering the best student experience. “The agreement will provide exciting opportunities for our students and staff to work with colleagues at Beijing Sport 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.
Further information
An image of the signing is available from on request from the Press Office.
Rob Wadsworth is available for interview. Please contact the University of Leeds Press Office, +44 113 343 4031 or email pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk