Griffith students from the Brisbane and Logan campuses have united to form their biggest team ever for the 2013 Northern University Games being held in Brisbane from 7 to 11 July.
They will compete against rivals from Universities and TAFE colleges from Queensland, the Northern Territory and Northern NSW, as well as some strong competition from the Griffith Gold Coast.
The event kicks off this Sunday July 7th with an opening ceremony at Cloudland set to dazzle competitors and guests with entertainment, a silent disco and a VIP function.
Teams from twelve universities will battle it out for bragging rights, with some teams competing to qualify for the Australian University Games (AUG) to be held on the Gold Coast this September.
This is the fourth time that Brisbane has played host to the NUG and the primary sporting hubs will be at Griffith University Nathan and Mt Gravat campuses as well as the Clem Jones Centre at Carina.
Emma Moore and Mark Hammond are the captains who will lead the Griffith Brisbane and Logan team in to the northern games this year.
Emma, who is studying forensic science and criminology when not training for the Griffith mixed touch footy team, said that having the regional event in their hometown has proved very attractive this year.
“The Brisbane and Logan team have recruited 250 members for the Northern games, including competitors, team managers and officials.”
“It’s our biggest team ever,”said Emma.
“That number is double the level of participation and support that was registered in 2012.”
“It’s great to see so many students getting involved this year and we can’t wait to take on the crew from the Gold Coast.”
“We have the hometown advantage this time and there is some very healthy rivalry between us. Especially in the volleyball and netball.”
“But rivalries aside, it is really one of the best events in the year for socialising and making new friends.”
“About 100 of the Brisbane and Logan students are staying together in accommodation in Brisbane, which should make for a lot of laughs at the theme parties each night.”
“I particularly can’t wait for WinterOnezie Land. It’s going to be awesome!”
Mark Hammond studies criminology and criminal justice and will compete with the Griffith basketball in his third Northern games.
Mark said he loves the competition, but the social aspect is central to the success of any uni games.
“It’s about getting out and playing sport, but the social aspect is key,” said Mark.
“The competition gets pretty hot out on the court or in the field, whether we are trying to smash the Gold Coast crew or any of the other unis.”
“But at the end of the day we all get together for a few laughs and some fun nights out on the town in Brisbane.”
The northern games are a prelude to the Australian University Games where the Griffith teams will unite to compete against the best from across Australia on the Gold Coast from 29 September to 4 October, 2013.