University of Wisconsin - Platteville issued the following announcement on Nov. 12
University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Spencer Butterfield is one of only two student-athletes nationwide handpicked to represent the United States at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Forum in Costa Rica this spring. This biennial forum brings together students, officials and other partners from more than 60 countries to engage in discussions on education, culture and sport. Butterfield, originally from Shawnee, Kansas, is a member of the men’s soccer team and president of the Pioneer Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"Spencer is the quintessential student-athlete,” said Dr. Kristina Navarro, director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation and assistant chancellor for Sports Administration. “He is solid in the classroom, engaged in the community and a true leader on campus as well as the soccer field. I am thrilled for him to have this professional growth opportunity."
Held over a five-day period and in a different country each year, the FISU World Forum centers around a main theme. This year’s theme, “University Sport as a Driver for Sustainable Development,” is a topic Butterfield – a sustainability and renewable energy systems and Spanish double-major – is well familiar with, after spending last summer interning in Peru, where he researched solar panel policy in rural communities.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to represent the United States at the upcoming FISU World Forum,” said Butterfield. “This is an extremely unique opportunity that allows me to combine my dedication to collegiate athletics, knowledge of sustainability, and passion for Spanish culture all in one event. This selection would not have been possible without my incredible academic and athletic support system at UW-Platteville. I would like to especially thank my advisors Dr. Schulenburg and Dr. Tas as well as Dr. Navarro for providing me with the confidence and inspiration to be selected. I sincerely hope to make UW-Platteville and the United States proud this April while in Costa Rica.”
This is the 16th FISU World Forum. Since 1992, the event has been held every two years, alternating with the FISU World University Games event. According to its website, since its founding in 1949, FISU is the key driver to expand the role and reach of university sport around the world. FISU believes that sports values and sports practice work in perfect synchronicity with one’s university studies. For more information, visit www.fisu.net/.
Original source can be found here.
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