“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
LAUSANNE — With new academic sessions around the world getting underway in September, FISU celebrates the recipients of its Scholarship Programmes as they embark upon their exciting new journeys.
Daulina Osmani, 2018 Scholarship recipient, Dream Together Masters
Yuhan Chen of China and Daulina Osmani of Kosovo are the two lucky and meritorious candidates who are heading to the 2018-2020 Dream Together Master Programme at the Seoul National University. This is a fully funded graduate scholarship programme supported by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO).
The programme aims to consolidate international sport cooperation via global networking, as well as prepare student athletes for leadership positions in the field of sports.
Scholarship recipient Daulina says she feels extremely privileged to have this opportunity. “I’m looking forward to working with people from all over the world and further deepen my knowledge of sport management,” she tells FISU. “I’m very privileged to be a scholarship recipient and extremely excited to be part of the DTM family.”
Mohammad Baghdadi, 2018 Scholarship recipient, RIOU MSAWhile Daulina and Yuhan are getting started in Seoul, Mohammad Baghdadi from Lebanon begins a new chapter of life in Sochi, with the Master of Sport Administration programme at the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU). This is a one-year Masters programme endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. He feels his share of nerves, but is looking forward to the experience.
“Moving to a new city on an entirely different continent is not an easy step,” he says. “It is out of my comfort zone, but nonetheless, it is something I am really looking forward to. Discovering Russian culture and attending an international university that hosts students from all across the globe, will be an enriching experience. I am a firm believer that cultural exchanges lead to excellence.”
The three scholarship recipients will follow the path set by previous winners, for whom the experience has been invaluable. John Monyo from Ghana, who received the DTM scholarship in 2017 says, “This scholarship opened tremendous opportunities for me, in the world of sport. Especially how to use sport fo the good of humanity.”
“The best experience was learning from the international faculty,” he continues. “Each professor brings something unique and makes me feel that I can create change with my newfound knowledge.”
The power of knowledge is not lost on Ivo Pereira Carvalhosa and Ilsida Tomere either, both former recipients of the RIOU MSA scholarship.
“I had a great time with all the different classes, teachers and subjects,” Ivo from Portugal says to FISU, two years after he had won the scholarship. “The teaching is top notch, while the campus and accommodation are state of the art and just wonderful.”
Surinamese Ilsida agrees. “Studying at RIOU was a great opportunity for my personal development,” she says. “As a current long-distance athlete, I was confident that this program will enable me to develop my intellect further, particularly in sport business. I must say it has been a great experience for me.”
There is much to look forward to for this year’s recipients, although Mohammad certainly has more than just academics on his mind. “I’ll also get a chance to improve my Russian,” he laughs. “And I’m a huge foodie, so I’m excited to try a new cuisine!”
As for Daulina, she says she would sum up her excitement by saying “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
In keeping with FISU’s motto of ‘Today’s Stars, Tomorrow’s Leaders’, FISU partners international universities to provide opportunities to students from its member associations. More information on the Dream Together Masters programme can be found here here and details of the RIOU Master of Sport Administration are available here.
2016 RIOU Scholarship recipient Ivo Carvalhosa with FISU President Oleg Matytsin