Professor John McCallum officially launched the 2008 Australian University Games on Tuesday 22 July. The ceremony took place on the Show Court at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in front of a very enthusiastic crowd consisting of a range VIP's and including Lord Major John So, staff from universities across the country including a large number of VU staff and a very rowdy cheer squad of students who are all fulfilling very important volunteer roles with the Games. Professor McCallum was joined on stage in launching the AUG by Games Patrons Brooke Hanson (national and Olympic swimming representative) and St Kilda captain Luke Ball.
The University is very proud to this year be a 'partner' for the AUG to be held in Melbourne from September 28 to October 3. The AUG is conducted each year and is the largest multi sport event held annually in Australia involving over 6,000 students from Universities across the country and overseas and this year includes over 28 different sporting competitions. The University partnership not only provides invaluable support to allow the AUG to be conducted but will also provide our students with significant volunteer and work placement opportunities, showcases some of our on campus sporting facilities and generally provide a range of marketing opportunities to further enhance the University's reputation.
Victoria University has a proud history at the AUG competing against larger more established Universities with great success and in 2008 is looking to field the largest team ever with close to 300 competitors and team officials expected to attend. Please encourage students to get involved by registering their interest at www.vu.edu.au/sport .
Staff and students will also be invited to a range of pre games and games events including the Opening Ceremony to be held on Sunday 28th September at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Footscray Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre will the venue for a most of the martial arts competitions providing staff and students with a chance to view the competitions first hand. Other opportunities will be provided for staff to support the various teams and individual athletes representing the University during the games. Further updates will be provided by the Sport and Fitness Section as the event draws closer.
