Let the Games begin!

Sport

More than 5000 student athletes will descend on Adelaide in September for the nation's largest annual multi-sport event, the Australian University Games.

From 24-29 September, more than 300 University of Adelaide student sportsmen and women will be hoping to beat last year's tally of three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Students will compete in more than 20 individual and team sports including athletics, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, karate, baseball, Australian Football, hockey, volleyball and netball.

Events will be held in Adelaide's top sporting venues including the Santos Stadium, ETSA Park and Hindmarsh Stadium.

"The Australian University Games are probably the best sporting experience students will have during their time at University," said Gloria Chester, Adelaide University Sports Association Executive Officer.

"Sport is an important part of university life, adding to the total student experience, and the Games are the ultimate opportunity for students to compete at a high level, showcase and represent their university, meet lots of people and have a fantastic time."

The Australian University Games started in 1993 and the host city expects a direct economic gain of more than $4 million.

The University of Adelaide is a host university and Games partner together with Flinders University and the University of South Australia.

In the 2005 Games, University of Adelaide students won gold in the heptathlon (Lauren Foote) and in two rock climbing events, bouldering and on-sight top rope intermediate, (Peter Matulich); silver in on-sight top rope intermediate (Richard Hillan) and 200m breaststroke (Andrew Ragless); and bronze in the men's hockey and men's rowing eight.

Story by Robyn Mills

For more information about the Australian University Games, visit: www.unisport.com.au