Fun and games for University sports teams

Jason Tozer

The University's touch teams were among those to compete

8 August 2006: Four teams represented the University of Canberra at the Eastern University Games (EUGs) held in Coffs Harbour last month.

More than 3500 participants, volunteers and officials from 28 universities and tertiary campuses in NSW and ACT officiated prepared or played in 21 different sports over four days.

All the University's teams, men's and women's touch, women's hockey and men's basketball, finished in the top 10 teams of their respective sports.

University team manager and women's touch player Emma Gleeson said that while there were less than a third of the teams sent away in previous years, everyone still gave it their best and had a lot of fun.

"Even though it was just a small group from UC, everyone got together to socialise which made it a real great experience," Ms Gleeson said.

"The highlight for the women's touch team was winning the local derby against Australian National University."

Men's touch team manager Ryan Clayton said Coffs Harbour was more than hospitable for the 3,500 students who participated.

"It's a really good place to go out and party and the weather was always in the twenties," Mr Clayton said.

"We hit the beach pretty regularly to relax after games in the afternoon."

Women's hockey team manager Sarah Portors, who made the EUGs women's hockey merit squad, said the experience was one to remember.

"Everyone had an amazing time and I don't think the laughter or drinks stopped rolling for the entire week and friendships have been made that will last a lifetime," Ms Portors said.

While funding for the 2007 Eastern University Games is in doubt under voluntary student unionism rumour is they will definitely be run again in 2008.