UNIVERSITY bosses have pulled out all the stops – to help a Huddersfield student chase his Olympic dream.
Trainee podiatrist Matthew Mee is set to represent Great Britain at the International Sailing World Championship 2008 in Thailand.
But the event clashes with vital University of Huddersfield lectures and exams.
So tutors have made special arrangements for the 21-year-old to sit his exams at a different time and to catch up on clinical skills.
The event is the pinnacle of Matthew’s achievement as an amateur sailor and could see him progress to Olympic class competition in preparation for London 2012.
Rochdale-born Matthew is in the third and final year of his BSc Podiatry course.
“The timing is not ideal for Matthew with regards to his final year studies”, said Dr Jim Pickard, Head of Podiatry.
“He will be missing some important clinical practice sessions treating patients from the local community based in the university clinic, as well as his assessment in pharmacology. Matthew’s final clinical examinations will be held just after Easter.
“Obviously we are thrilled to support Matthew in any way we can as he ventures to Thailand to represent his country.
“With this in mind we have arranged for a separate examination on his return. The professional bodies that regulate the course require all students to undertake a set number of clinical hours before they can register with the Health Professions Council and practice their profession, so we have made plans for Matthew to catch up on his clinical practice in the summer vacation,” added Jim.
Matthew said: “I’ve been invited to represent Great Britain at the International Sailing World Championships in the Fireball Class.
“As part of a team of two, I’ll be sailing a 14-foot Fireball class yacht. I’m going to miss two weeks of my final year for the training and competition, but my tutors have been fantastic about it and rearranged an exam.
“I also have to hand in my dissertation a week early.”
