University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand Celebrates New Zealand Leadership and Tertiary Expertise on FISU Committees

University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is proud to announce the appointment of two New Zealand representatives to the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Committees, showcasing New Zealand's leadership and expertise on the international stage.

At the recent FISU Executive Meeting held on 1 - 2 March in Lausanne, the FISU Executive Committee approved the new composition of the FISU Permanent Committees for the period 2024-2027.

Among the fourteen Permanent Committees appointed, UTSNZ is pleased to announce the following New Zealand representatives:

Jim Ellis, current Group Manager Play, Active Recreation & Sport at Sport New Zealand, has been reappointed to the International Control Committee (CIC). The CIC is responsible for controlling the qualifications of competitors at the World University Games and World University Championships and proposing measures to improve the system of control.

Dr Ian Murphy, current Sport and Health Sector Consultant, has been reappointed to the International Medical Committee (CMI). The CMI ensures adherence to the technical rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and International Sports Federations on a medical field, for international sporting events.

When asked about his motivation for applying for the role, Dr. Ian Murphy expressed his passion for ensuring the health and well-being of athletes, particularly at the university level. He emphasised the importance of upholding medical standards in international sporting events and looks forward to collaborating with global counterparts to promote safe and fair competition.

Jim Ellis, reflecting on his reappointment to the CIC, highlighted his long-standing commitment to sports management and his desire to contribute to the development of university sports worldwide. He sees this role as an opportunity to leverage his expertise and experience for the benefit of New Zealand's university athletes and administrators.

Members of the Permanent Committees are chosen by the Executive Committee, from among candidates proposed by the organisations with the status of active members of FISU and/or from among candidates proposed by other organisations, in particular those International Sports Federations (ISF) that have established official partnership relations with FISU.

Following a call for nominations, FISU received 192 applications to various FISU committees for the term 2024 – 2027, among which there were 70 female and 122 male candidates. These nominations marking a significant step for FISU towards gender equality, with the representation of women in the Commissions increasing from 18% to almost 40%.

The appointment of two New Zealand nominations highlights both New Zealand's commitment to excellence in sports management and medical supervision at the university level, as well as reinforces New Zealand’s strong presence and influence in the international sports arena.

UTSNZ commends the appointments of Ian and Jim to FISU and thanks them for their service to university sport. We look forward to their contributions to the FISU Committees in the coming years.