World Leisure invites colleges and universities to join centres of excellence network

January 30, 2025

The World Leisure Organisation has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit overtures from interested colleges or universities around the globe to establish and implement a World Leisure Center of Excellence (WLCE) and be a recognised member of the WLCE network.

WLCEs are a prestigious international network committed to advancing graduate and post-graduate education and research in the fields of play, recreation, arts, culture, sports, festivals, health and wellness, travel and tourism - all with an international perspective.

They design and foster specialised educational programs and dynamic research platforms that serve as catalysts for innovation, knowledge advancement and global collaboration. These initiatives empower institutions to explore emerging trends, address contemporary challenges and inspire groundbreaking solutions across diverse fields, driving positive change within the leisure industry and beyond.

As part of the World Leisure Organisation family, the WLCE network provides students, educators, researchers and professionals the chance to participate and contribute to unique, theme-focused educational endeavours at an international level.

Currently, the network of the WLCE is formed by Breda University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), Vancouver Island University (Canada), University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), University of Otago (New Zealand), Zhejiang University (China), and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada).

The World Leisure Organisation anticipates the establishment of selective additional WLCE, especially in geographic areas without representation of such programs.

The invitation for new WLCEs is being coordinated by Dr Arianne Reis, Director of Academic Program for the Master of Public Health and Master of Health Sciences programs, Western Sydney University.

Click here for more information.

World Leisure 2030 Congress
The World Leisure Organisation has also released an open call to hosts its 2023 Congress.

This prestigious international event attracts participants from around the globe, providing a vibrant platform to explore the profound impact of leisure on social, cultural, and economic development.

This year’s World Leisure Congress is being held in The Netherlands.

Click here for more information.

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