Skip to content
Home News FASU Games open in South Africa

FASU Games open in South Africa

29 June 2016

 

 

JOHANNESBURG – The 8th FASU Games opened on 26 June 2016 on the campus of the prestigious University of Johannesburg. The event is jointly organised by the University of Johannesburg, the Tshwane University of Technology, University Sport South Africa (USSA) and the African University Sports Federation (FASU). For the time in FASU history, athletes compete in university teams instead of national teams. A total of 44 universities representing 14 countries and around 700 athletes participate in the games, competing in 10 sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, 3×3 basketball, chess, football, netball, tennis, table tennis and volleyball.

The colourful Opening Ceremony started with the flag procession, followed by the national anthem of South Africa and the welcome addresses of the hosts. It was attended, among others, by Prof. Angina Parekh, acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, Mayor of Johannesburg, Ilhaam Groenewald, Vice-President of USSA and Malumbete Ralethe, President of FASU.

FISU President Matytsin posing with some athletes

FISU President Oleg Matytsin underlined the importance of education and communication through university sport and encouraged students to play an active role in society, respecting rules and fair play. He offered a FISU plaque to the President of the Organising Committee, Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, and to Mr Malumbete Ralethe, in recognition of their contribution to university sport.

Oleg Matytsin received a statue of Nelson Mandela from Prof. Angina Parekh, symbolising the values shared across the university sports movement worldwide, such as the importance of educating the youths to prepare them for the challenges to come. He also received a gift from Malumbete Ralethe, who said that it was a great honour to welcome President Matytsin at the FASU Games.

President Matytsin then attended the first 3×3 basketball match of the Games together with FISU 1st Vice-President Leonz Eder and Vice-President Leopold Germain Senghor. They were also invited by the Organising Committee to visit the venues of the University of Johannesburg, which will be used by participants in 8 sports. The visit ended with the hotel where the delegations are accommodated.

The Closing Ceremony of the 8th FASU Games will be held on 2 July 2016.

 

(Source: Development Department)