News & Events

Two Ryerson students will have unique experiences to share when they return from China next month.

Men's basketball standout rookie Jahmal Jones and journalism student Kelsey Wingerak will be in Shenzhen, China from August 12 to 23 for the Summer Universiade (World University Games): Jones will be competing, while Wingerak is one of only 10 students from around the world chosen to cover the Games.

The Universiade takes place every two years and is second only to the Olympic Games in the number of participating athletes and countries.

Jones was named to Canada's men's basketball team and is the only first-year student-athlete selected to the 12-player roster. He will play alongside Ryerson alumnus Boris Bakovic.  

Wingerak won't be competing at the games but holds a special position nonetheless. She is one of 10 participants in the International University Sports Federation's inaugural Young Sport Journalism Seminar. She is one of two people chosen from North America and will have full access to the competition venues for the entire period.

"I was literally in shock," Wingerak said. "I just feel like there are no words to explain how honoured I feel." 

All 'Young Journalists' will undertake training in various aspects of sports reporting and the coverage of major events such as the Universiade. Wingerak is to be matched with a seasoned mentor from the International Sports Press Association, and will learn what makes a good sports story, how to tell it informatively and entertainingly, when to look for more background detail and why accuracy and fairness still remain the cornerstone of sports reporting. 

"I'm receiving one-on-one training and getting to cover the second largest sporting event to the Olympics. I don't know how this will affect my future in reporting sports, but the culture shock of working in China alone will make me grow up really fast," she said. 

Wingerak, who has worked in the sports information office for Ryerson Rams Athletics over the past two years as a video journalist and writer, will be heading into her fourth year this fall. The native of Kelowna, B.C. is humbled to be given the opportunity:"I will be working hard to prove that I deserve to be there among the rest of these incredibly talented people."

"My passion has always been to play and cover sports and now I am going to be working with the most talented university athletes and the most talented young journalists from around the world. I don't think I could have dreamed up a more incredible opportunity," she said.