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Northern University Games On the Way
17 June 2006
In this year of celebrating our first decade through the theme
of the 'Power of Ten' we've planned a series of events to cover a
wide range of interests, both within the University and involving
the community as a whole.
Next month, from 2 to 7 July, it's the turn of students. For
some time the University has been in negotiations about the
Northern University Games (NUG). We have helped directly in
bringing the Games to the Coast, with University staff members on
the Games Advisory Board, working with other community leaders to
support this great student event which spans over many sports, from
various forms of football to table tennis, to lawn bowls and water
polo.
USC is the 2006 University partner of the NUG, and it is the
first time that the Games have been held on the Coast.
The University's involvement has been significant with over
$20,000 expended on the event. As well as $10,000 in cash, we have
also provided office space, equipment and staff time to support NUG
organisers.
USC student representation at the Games will be the highest yet,
and more than 200 USC students are expected to participate.
The Games match well, not only the growing facilities in the
region, but also the University's increasing focus on sport, health
and wellbeing. Over the last few years the University has been
supporting students in programs at the CHASE research clinic run by
Brendan Burkett, and soon there will be sponsorship of a staff
program as well.
The Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) is one of
the most popular degrees at the University with more than 200
students enrolled this year. The national standing of this area in
the Faculty of Science Health and Education is high, with unique
accreditation arrangements.
It is also an area with increasing international links, and
students are again the major beneficiaries, with some already
involved with Europe's foremost sports University in Cologne as
exchange students.
As the momentum develops to increase further the health-sports
disciplines, in conjunction with new buildings for 2007, and
enhanced links with overseas universities, we are looking at a
longer term arrangement for the NUG to be held more regularly at
the Coast.
As well as the facilities and support of the University, there
is region-wide support to utilise various sporting venues around
the Coast. We also have some greats of the sporting world like
Raelene Boyle as patrons of the NUG. Raelene is also an Honorary
Senior Fellow of the University.
Let's hope the students do us proud, and from everyone at the
University, I wish our competitors well in the Games ahead.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast