From intramural first aid coordinator to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, York alum Elwin Lau (B.Sc. ’97) shares how one campus opportunity sparked a career in sports medicine on the world’s biggest stage. “At York University, I organized first-aid coverage for all intramural sports. Looking back, that experience helped me deliver medical services at increasingly larger events, including national championships and international tournaments.
How did York University prepare you for a leadership role such as Senior Medical Manager for an event as large as the FIFA World Cup?
In my third year at York University, I was given the opportunity to organize first-aid coverage for all intramural sports. It sounds straightforward, but it required teamwork, leadership, supply management, scheduling, and developing protocols—skills that are essential for any strong leader. Looking back, that experience was my first step into organizing medical services for sport. After graduating, that foundation helped me in delivering medical services at increasingly larger events, including national championships, international tournaments, Canada Games, World Cup qualifiers, Pan/Parapan Am Games, Invictus Games, Commonwealth Games, and now the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What was your most valuable or memorable experience at York University, and how has it influenced your career?
The biggest influence on me during my time at York University was Gus Kandilas, who taught in the Kinesiology and Health Science program. Gus passed away a few years ago, but his impact on his students will endure for decades—I am fortunate to be one of those he influenced. It wasn’t just what or how he taught that shaped me. His greatest impact on me was his presence—an aura of confidence that wasn’t rooted in arrogance or even self-assurance, but in something more grounded. It was the kind of confidence that reassured those around him that things would work out. Over time, I came to understand that this kind of presence doesn’t come from simply believing you are good at what you do—it comes from building true expertise. Developing this expertise is what I strive to do in my journey down this niche of developing and delivering medical services for large-scale sporting events.
What advice would you give York University students?
It is more than just the knowledge and skill you develop while you are in school. It is more than what you learn in the lectures and labs. Experiences matter, so go and experience things. Do or try things that are out of the box for you, out of your norm. You never know where inspiration will come from so give yourself a chance discover it. And when something does spark your interest, don’t be afraid to follow it—even if it means changing direction. It might sound a bit cliché, but it’s important to give yourself that opportunity.