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Uni Games launched in Rotorua
Thursday, November 29th, 2007
Rotorua Mayor, Mr Kevin Winters and Waiariki Institute of Technology Deputy Chief Executive Officer, John Snook launched the 2008 Uni Games today at Uni Games supporter Hotel Ibis Rotorua. The ‘Uni Games’ will be held from April 14 to 17 next year for the first time outside of a University City.
More than 2,500 students from across New Zealand’s ten universities and selected polytechnics will compete in 31 sports at the Uni Games, which will be held at venues around Rotorua. The main goal will be to help their University win the coveted Shield that has been awarded to the Overall Uni Games Champion since 1923.
David Pearce, Executive Director of University Sport New Zealand (USNZ), is excited about bringing the Uni Games to Rotorua. The Uni Games is the second largest annual multi-sports event in New Zealand, next to the Masters’ Games. Mr Pearce said Rotorua offers the Uni Games a unique location, high quality sporting facilities and outstanding community support. Next year’s Uni Games will be fantastic.
Proudly supported by its partners - Rotorua District Council, Waiariki Institute of Technology, Waiariki Institute of Technology Students’ Association, Sport Bay of Plenty and Environment Bay of Plenty. The Uni Games are expected to inject over $2 million into the local economy.
Mayor, Kevin Winters said, “Rotorua is a playground for many people. We have world-class facilities like our BMX tracks and just recently we hosted the world mountain bike championships. We are looking forward to the University Games.”
The Rotorua community will be heavily involved with over 120 volunteers required for the administration and logistics of the Uni Games as well as each sport being supported by the local sporting organisation through the supply of venues, competition managers, and officials.
Uni Games Team Managers were in Rotorua this week to attend the Team Managers’ Briefing. This is held to assist Team Managers with the planning and organisation of their teams. It included a venue tour of all sport and administration venues. Thorough planning is critical to those who are serious contenders to take away the Shield.
USNZ have also invited International Universities to compete at the Uni Games. A large involvement from Australian Universities is expected in Rotoura at the Uni Games in April next year.
The Games will see 31 sports contested: Aquathon, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, BMX, Canoe Polo, Cross Country, Cycling, Debating, Fencing, Football, Golf, Hockey, Karate, Kayaking (flat water), Lawn Bowls, Mountain Biking, Netball, Orienteering, Rugby League, Squash, Surfing, Table Tennis, Tennis, Touch, Ultimate Frisbee, Underwater Hockey, Volleyball, Waka Ama, Water Polo and White Water Slalom.
For further information contact David Pearce, Executive Director, at the USNZ office on 04 499 3550.
