Dear Members of the Board of URAC,
CC. Prof. Gerard Sutton
As a student representative for the University for the last 3 years and as former state-level athlete, I feel it is my responsibility to express directly to you, my great discomfort in learning of the decision made by the URAC board to forbid ALL UOW participants of the 2010 Australian University Games(AUG) from attending the 2011 AUG.
Whilst I personally am not affected by this decision, I am personally shocked, and feel this decision is not in the best interests of either University or it's students.
I acknowledge that in previous years participants from UOW (as well as many other universities) have attended in the interest of the 'social aspect' of the event instead of what should be the primary, sporting aspect; and consequently this has resulted in alcohol-related and other problems. However, I (and many of my fellow students), feel this decision is not fair, not the right way to go about overcoming past problems, and certainly not in the interest of good-sportsmanship and the ideals and values promoted by the University of Wollongong.
As a result of this decision, a significant number of innocent students are adversely affected, in several cases entire teams will now be unable to compete. Their hard-work in training and preparing for the AUG; as well in some cases, financial contribution made to sporting equipment, squad uniforms, and pre-booked accommodation is essentially forfeited. In one particular case, a team of students sponsored to attend is now at risk of having to withdraw from the competition and consequently reimburse attendance costs from their own money.
I personally will be boycotting URAC as a result of this decision and have already recommended my fellow students to do the same. Additionally I have advised colleagues of mine whom makes regular annual donations to the University of this issue, and they share my sentiment.
I can only hope that a review of student and public opinion may influence the decision made on this matter.
Yours Sincerely,
Jesus