West Indies cricket great Michael Holding has joined forces with
the University of East London (UEL) to launch a new £3,000 scholarship for
Jamaican students interested in studying at the university for a postgraduate
degree. The new scholarship is aimed at Jamaicans who participate in sport, not
just cricket, or who want to study a sports-related subject and begins in
September 2015.
Holding, arguably one of the greatest fast bowlers in history and
now a highly respected cricket commentator, has established close links with
UEL since being awarded an honorary degree in 2013 for services to sport.
“In 2013 I was awarded an honorary doctorate and a ‘services to
sport award’ at the University of East London”, said Holding. “It was a real
honour and it gives me great pleasure to endorse the Michael Holding
Scholarship for Jamaican students”.
“Education is an investment that not only helps gain knowledge but
also opens up vast opportunities in fulfilling one’s potential. Knowing that
this scholarship will hopefully help fellow Jamaican's achieve this gives me
great joy and happiness.”
UEL has been recognised as one of the most improved universities
for sport in the UK and is well on its way to becoming London’s premier
sporting universities. Its current student roll includes current European 200m
champion Adam Gemili, and Commonwealth 200m bronze medallist Bianca Williams.
The University also boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities,
including its new £21 million SportsDock building which received the ultimate
endorsement when the United States Olympic Committee chose to base its athletes
at the University in the run-up to the London2012 Olympic Games.
Students who are awarded the scholarship will automatically become
part of UEL’s International Sports Ambassadors scheme which will entitle them
to a free gold membership at SportsDock, access to sports therapy, free sports
kit, personal off-peak usage of courts and a ticket to the UELSports annual
awards ceremony.
Mohsin Ramzan, Head of International Student Recruitment at UEL,
said: “Michael Holding is not only a sporting icon to millions in the West Indies
but is also a great ambassador and inspiration to budding athletes in the
region. This scholarship further strengthens his commitment to education and we
are proud to have him as an honorary doctor.”
