FLYING THE FLAG HIGH

I appeal to all of our students and staff to engage in some form of physical or recreational activity on campus.

PROF TYRONE PRETORIUS, RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR

IT WASN’T THE BEST WEATHER on campus, with an unseasonal downpour and a few gusts. But that didn’t deter our students from coming out in their hundreds early in March to back our rugby team. They packed University Square as we launched our home campaign for the Varsity Shield rugby competition.

IT WAS HEARTENING and an indication that varsity life is indeed back to normal. Our team was doing well and we were beginning to sense silverware was in the offing. That feeling turned out to be prescient as the team proceeded to overpower all opposition to take the Varsity Shield for 2023!

THESE SPORTING OCCASIONS must never be underestimated. They build camaraderie and university spirit among our campus community and instil pride. Success on the sporting field shows that UWC remains an institution of choice to study and play sports at the highest level.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES on producing well-rounded students at UWC who display academic endeavour and excellence while they participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including rugby, swimming, basketball, athletics, choirs and dance. A healthy body makes for a healthy mind and being. The sound of dominoes smashing on the tables of the Student Centre is reassuring and elicits a smile. As long as these sessions do not encroach on learning and teaching time, they are an important part of student life.

FOR OUR FIRST-YEARS, participating in a recreational activity is a great way to get to know your fellow students and build lifelong friendships. I am living proof. As a student at UWC, I played soccer for the university, and I am still in contact with many of those fellow students and teammates. I appeal to all of our students and staff to engage in some form of physical or recreational activity on campus. Whether you’re participating in one of our multitude of sporting codes in a formal team structure or socially – get your blood flowing!

WE HAVE UPGRADED much of our sporting infrastructure on campus and want everyone to use them. But moving can also mean just a leisurely walk on one of our beautiful Cape Flats Nature Reserve trails.

IN THIS EDITION of Blue and Gold, we highlight the year of achievement in women’s sports. Our national women’s teams are participating in high-level events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Netball

World Cup right here in Cape Town. We witnessed the Proteas women making history and competing in the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup and many of our past and current students will be involved in the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year.

WHILE OUR SPORTS ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED to contributing top athletes to national teams that is a by-product of university life. Our ethos is that we encourage our students to strive to be excellent scholars first while giving their all on the field of play.

I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY to thank all on campus and our broader UWC community for their incredible resilience, shown during arguably the most challenging period this century. There have been heavy losses. But we move forward with renewed vigour and purpose. To all our athletes, know that we are with you in mind and spirit and willing you on as you strive to be the best you can be.