Varsity Sports launch new series for athletes to start at NMMU

VARSITY sports are on the move and the Varsity Athletics competition is set to light up Port Elizabeth when it kicks off this year's series on March 21.

Due to a request from the athletes, the Varsity Sports organisers have increased the meetings from three to four, taking place at NMMU, Potchefstroom, Stellenbosch and Pretoria.

At the launch of the athletics meetings yesterday, Varsity Sports chief executive Duitser Bosman said they were preparing for an action- packed series from March 21 to April 28.

"We had a few teething problems in the first athletics meetings last year, but we believe we can deliver an exciting product and give athletes exposure on a national stage," Bosman said.

"This will have the effect of driving varsities to look for promising young athletes to boost their resources. It also gives a chance for local young athletes to study and train at NMMU, rather than having to go to other centres."

The emphasis is on a team ethic, with athletes earning points for their positions in each event, which will be limited to one athlete from each varsity.

"If you put together highly trained athletes who are not only competing for themselves, but for their teams, you can expect fireworks, and that's what we'll get," Varsity Sports marketing and sponsorship executive Trent Key said.

Since the inception of the Varsity Cup rugby tournament in 2008, Varsity Sports has taken off, with 14 varsities currently competing in six sporting codes.

The athletics will be followed by men's hockey from May 3-19, and a comprehensive soccer programme from July 21 to September 15.

The netball competition takes place from September 15 to October 20, while there will be rugby sevens and beach volleyball from November 28-30.

An added incentive to go faster, higher and further is that SuperSport will televise every event, giving the students countrywide exposure.

Bosman paid tribute to NMMU's involvement in Varsity Sports, saying they were one of only two varsities who competed in each sporting code. -