The Uni Games is the flagship event on the national university sporting calendar. It brings together over 6,000 athletes, many of elite or Olympic standard, competing in 29 individual and team sports. It has been extremely important to UNSW Sport and Recreation to field an Australian Rules side in this year’s Uni Games.
A significant challenge for organizer Adam Guilden has been securing key players for the games. “Benjamin Woods, an Elite Athlete scholarship holder offered his services early on and should be commended for this as he is a busy man and could quite easily have refused to play” he said.
Other players, most notably Hayden Nichols, were more difficult to persuade. Nichols was heard to have said “I don’t enjoy having to carry the Bulldogs on the weekend, why would I want carry the Uni side at Uni Games”. Adam showed his leadership and understanding of team culture in his response “Luckily we have become accustomed to Hayden’s large ego over the course of the Sydney AFL season and will be well prepared for his shameless self promotion and arrogance while away.”
The other main challenge for the team is financial, with this type of event costing each player a considerable amount which is not covered by UNSW.
But with a succession of profitable barbeques and raffles behind them and a commitment to gate duty during the finals series, the boys are well on their way to covering the registration, travel and accommodation costs of the event.
Adam paid tribute to Committee members, Greg Goodieson and Tom Mooney. “We’re very lucky to have had great help from the UNSW/ES Bulldogs, especially Greg and Tom helping out with fund raising and liaising with UNSW.
“The team is extremely excited about the experience of Uni Games with a fair number in the team not having yet competed in such an event. The players are certainly looking forward to the challenge of the Games as well as the festivities of Queensland’s Gold Coast.”
If you can help the team get to Uni Games with financial or other assistance please contact Adam, Greg or Tom by email: unswesbulldogs@gmail.com
Last Modified on 14/10/2011 13:51