Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) has officially launched Tim Pro, its varsity teams featuring talented and accomplished student-athletes in basketball, futsal, and taekwondo. These teams are prepared to compete in prestigious tournaments at regional, national, and international levels. The launch event took place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at UKDW’s Agape Atrium.
The establishment of these varsity teams aligns with the university’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of its Student Activity Units (UKM) and supporting student achievements in sports. UKDW strives not only to focus on the academic development of its students but also to promote non-academic talent, particularly in sports.
Dr. Wiyatiningsih, the Rector of UKDW, emphasized that the university provides space, time, and opportunities for students to compete and excel. “We hope that achievements in non-academic fields do not overshadow academic accomplishments, creating a balance between academic and non-academic success,” she stated.
Dr. Wiyatiningsih also added that UKDW offers the UKDW Scholarship for students with potential and achievements in both academic and non-academic areas, such as sports, arts, science, and culture, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial burdens.
Dr. Parmonangan Manurung, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, Information, and Innovation, echoed this sentiment, noting that student-athletes have academic obligations and must balance their commitments. “We provide facilities and extensive support to channel students’ energy positively. Additionally, we are preparing more varsity teams for other UKM units to enhance their readiness for competition,” he explained.
Mujiono, S.E., M.Sc., Head of the Bureau of Student Affairs, Alumni, and Career Development, stated that the launch aims to enable students to maximize their achievements beyond academics, particularly in these three sports. “Students with talent in sports are consistently guided through various UKMs to ensure they are always prepared to compete and actively participate in sports events,” he said.
The three UKM teams have already recorded impressive achievements in various competitions. Recently, the Taekwondo team brought home two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze from the 2024 Walikota Cup XI Taekwondo Championship, consistently medaling in every event they enter.
The Basketball team also showcased its talent by qualifying for the 2024 Liga Mahasiswa (LIMA) Basketball league, a highly competitive collegiate basketball tournament in Indonesia where teams from across the country compete for prestigious titles. This event serves as a platform for young athletes or student-athletes to shine and demonstrate their ability to compete nationally. Meanwhile, the Duta Wacana Futsal Club (DWFC) recently advanced to the round of 16 in the 2024 Telkom University Futsal Championship and is currently preparing for upcoming competitions.
The formation of Tim Pro in basketball, futsal, and taekwondo aims to enhance athletes’ skills and strengthen UKDW’s reputation in the sports arena. Following the launch, UKDW hosted a coaching clinic for high school students in Yogyakarta. This program is designed to provide high school students with the experience of training alongside UKDW athletes. In addition to learning advanced playing techniques, students will have the opportunity to interact and share experiences with both professional athletes and coaches at UKDW. [humasukdw/trans.drr]