WIT Sports scholarship recipient Hayley Fitzsimons discusses her whirlwind year following her participation at the IWAS U-23 World Games
Bachelor of Business in Recreation & Sport Management student at South East Technological University (WIT), Hayley Fitzsimons has had major success in her sporting career, most recently winning two gold medals at the U-23 World Championships in Prague.
This summer, Hayley took part in the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports U-23 World Games, where she collected two gold medals for javelin and shot putt on the opening day of the event.
“Delighted would be an understatement as day one closed on the U23 World Championships Prague. I claimed Two Golds in both the Javelin and Shot Putt with the added two titles of U23 World Champion. What was even better was achieving it beside not only my competition but having a clean sweep with two of my team mates.”
Hayley is also a recipient of the WIT sports scholarship which she says has been very beneficial to her in improving her sport, “Through the scholarship, I get extra academic support when I travel, it also provides me with financial support in order to fund equipment and training supports. The sport scholarship was a factor that I considered when applying to SETU as I thought that if I applied for the Sports Scholarship that it would help me gain access to extra supports while trying to balance my sport and studies.”
Hayley attended the World Dwarf Games in Belfast in 2009 as a spectator to support a friend, but found herself astounded by the atmosphere at the event. “In August of that year one of my friends had an athletics competition so I went to support her in the RSC (Waterford Regional Sport Centre) and they asked if I wanted to try it out and I haven’t looked back since.”
Since deciding to give sport a shot, Hayley has gone from strength to strength, although she says her most proud moment was being selected by Paralympics Ireland in October 2015 to represent Ireland at the IPC Athletic World Championships. “I also hit the A-standard for the Paralympics in Rio 2016.”
According to Hayley, this year has been her most successful, from being acknowledged as being Female Sports Person of the year, to being honoured with a civic reception in recognition of her achievements.
Hayley suggests to all of those who wish to improve in their sport to take the advice of the late Muhammed Ali, “Don’t count the days, make them count.”
Study the Bachelor of Business Recreation & Sport Management at WIT
The Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Sport Management is a three year, level-7 degree course which provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the wider Sport, leisure and business industry.
The Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Sport Management offers a number of unique features, which include; the Bachelor of Business degree which the student will graduate with. A 14-week placement which the student will complete in year two of the course, as well as practical features. Each student also has the opportunity to choose an elective, which means the student may specialize in a certain area.
Students who enrol in this course can expect to study modules such as; Sport Pedagogy, Human Resource Management and Exercise Physiology.
If certain criteria is met, students have the option to complete an add on year to the Recreation & Sport Management which will give the student a level-8 degree.
Course Code: WD019 Course Code: WD051 (Add On)