Sciences Po Faces Athlete Program Criticism Despite Ongoing Support Role
Paris, france-sciences Po, a prestigious French university, is facing backlash after announcing the gradual phasing out of its high-level sports certificate (CHSN), a program designed to support elite athletes in their academic pursuits.While the institution maintains its commitment to supporting athletes, the decision has been met with criticism from over 120 current and former high-level athletes, who denounce the move as abrupt and detrimental to the integration of sports and education [3].
The End of an Era: Sciences Po’s CHSN Program
Established in 2007, the CHSN program at Sciences Po allowed high-level athletes to adapt their study schedules to accommodate rigorous training and competition calendars [2].This flexibility enabled athletes to pursue higher education without sacrificing their athletic careers. Notable alumni of the program include Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Marie Bochet, Teddy Riner, Chloé Trespeuch, and Sarah Ourahmoune [3].
Did You Know? The french government invests approximately €400 million annually in high-performance sport, aiming to support athletes in achieving international success [Source: French Ministry of Sports].
Athlete Concerns and Reactions
The decision to discontinue the CHSN program has sparked outrage among athletes and former participants. In a press release, athletes, including Para-athlete Arnaud Assoumani, expressed their disappointment, calling the decision “a dry, brutal decision” that contradicts the nation’s celebration of Olympic and Paralympic achievements [3]. Thay argue that dismantling such programs undermines the support system for French champions.
Pro Tip: Many universities offer specialized programs and scholarships for student-athletes. Researching these options can definately help athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments.
Sciences Po’s Response and Future Plans
Sciences Po maintains that its commitment to supporting high-level athletes remains steadfast. The institution states that the phasing out of the current program, decided in 2023, is intended to pave the way for a more robust and tailored support system [3]. According to Sciences po, the goal is to better differentiate between the needs of younger athletes and those seeking career transition support.A new project outlining these support measures is expected to be presented in the upcoming school year.
Currently, the 41 high-level sports students and dancers enrolled in the existing program will be able to complete their studies under the current framework [3]. Sciences Po has also clarified that the decision is not related to budget cuts, emphasizing that sports remain an integral part of the institution’s identity.
Impact on High-Level Sports Students
the changes at Sciences Po raise questions about the future of support for high-level athletes in France. While the institution promises a revamped approach, the concerns voiced by athletes highlight the importance of maintaining accessible and flexible educational pathways for those pursuing both academic and athletic excellence. The success of the new program will depend on its ability to address the specific needs of athletes at different stages of their careers.
| Program | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Level Sports Certificate (CHSN) | Phasing Out | 2007 | Ongoing (for current students) |
| New Support Program | In Development | N/A | Expected Next School Year |
What are your thoughts on the balance between academic and athletic pursuits for elite athletes? How can institutions better support student-athletes in achieving their goals?
Evergreen Insights: The Importance of Dual Careers for Athletes
The concept of dual careers, where athletes pursue both sporting and academic or professional goals, has gained increasing recognition in recent years. This approach not only provides athletes with valuable skills and knowledge for life after sports but also enhances their overall well-being and reduces the risks associated with career transitions. Organizations like the European Athlete as Student (EAS) network advocate for policies and programs that support dual careers for athletes across Europe [source: Dual Sport].
Furthermore, studies have shown that athletes who engage in dual careers tend to perform better in their sport, as the cognitive stimulation and personal development gained through education can positively impact their athletic performance. In this very way, institutions and sports organizations must prioritize the creation of supportive environments that enable athletes to thrive in both their sporting and academic endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About sciences Po’s Athlete Program Changes
- Why is Sciences Po phasing out its current high-level sports program?
- Sciences Po decided in 2023 to gradually phase out the existing high-level sports certificate (CHSN) program to better adapt its support for athletes, aiming for a more robust and tailored approach.
- How many athletes are currently affected by the changes to Sciences Po’s sports program?
- Currently,41 high-level sports students and dancers in training will be able to complete their studies under the existing system. The changes will primarily affect incoming athletes.
- What kind of support will Sciences Po offer to high-level athletes in the future?
- Sciences Po assures that support for high-level athletes will continue, with a new project to be presented in the next school year. The institution aims to distinguish between younger athletes and those seeking career retraining, providing tailored support.
- Is the abolition of the current sports program due to budget cuts at Sciences Po?
- Sciences Po has stated that the decision to abolish the existing system is not related to budget reductions. The institution emphasizes that sport remains part of its core identity.
- Who are some of the notable athletes who have benefited from Sciences Po’s high-level sports program?
- notable athletes who have participated in Sciences Po’s high-level sports certificate program include Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Marie bochet, Teddy Riner, Chloé Trespeuch, and Sarah Ourahmoune.
- What are athletes and ex-athletes saying about the changes to Sciences Po’s sports program?
- Over 120 high-level athletes and ex-athletes, including Para-athlete Arnaud Assoumani, have criticized the decision to end the current program, calling it a “dry, brutal decision” that contradicts France’s celebration of olympic and Paralympic achievements.
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you think educational institutions can better support aspiring athletes!
