Katharine O'Ehley
It is that time of year again where students can dust off their running shoes and put on their tutus, it is the UPlympics. 22 April marked the commencement of one of the largest sporting events of the year. UPlympics consisted of five events and took place in two spheres, online and in person at LC de Villiers. The event organised by UP Student Sport (UPSS) drew the participation of residences, societies, faculty houses and day houses all competing for the gold.
Indigenous Games
The Indigenous Games kicked off the event in the early morning. These games are reminiscent of childhood and hold a cultural significance for many South Africans. The indigenous games played were Diketo and Skipping.
Diketo is traditionally played with a shooting marble, ten small stones and a hole in the ground. The game consists of a chief coordinator, two scorers and one runner. The skill for this game can be underestimated but it hones in on a player’s reflexes, speed and concentration. Then there was Skipping. This demands agility, timing and of course a springy set of legs. Both games were played with a similar excitement that one may recall from the school playground at break. Making it all the more wonderful to see the same game bringing joy to a larger stage in university.
The winners of Diketo:
- Madireng Malatji – Eastwoods Village
- Mahlatsi Kwadi – Hayani
- Itumeleng Mayisela – House Education
The Winners of Skipping:
- Masetshaba Molefone – EBIT
- Nsovo Ecstacy Masingi – Ikageng
- Asive Mdlankomo – Mopane
Athletics
It goes without saying that athletics is always a winner. The energy radiated from the track as the field sports was the peak for many in attendance.
UPlympics had it all. Long jump, hurdles and high jump for those with a spring in their step. Shot put, javelin and discus throw for those with missiles for arms. Long distance running for those going the extra mile. The sprints (a highlight for the fans) for the darting bullets among us.
Student Karabo Nakedi told PDBY that, “UPlympics was amazing, my friend won the women’s relay. So it was quite nice.”
Another student Ashley Antill said, “Today was really fun, I think the vibes have been great, all the res’s that showed up and my favourite was the HC relay, just seeing them giving their heart and soul out there is awesome.”
Winners of athletics:
Victor Lodorum (Male) Track
- Carl Janse van Rensburg (Mopane)
- Ruan Bronkhorst (Tuks individual)
- Etienne van Wyk (Dregeana)
Victrix Lodorum (Female) Track
- Shanelle Venter (Health house)
- Jani Badenhorst (Vividus)
- Simone de Wet (Madelief)
Victor Lodorum (Male) Field
- Nantus Joubert (Tuks individual)
- Tiaan Stoltz (EBIT)
- Ruan Bronkhorst (Tuks individual)
Victrix Lodorum (Female) Field
- Cara Pieterse (Vividus)
- Celie Janse van Rensburg (Madelief)
- Leonor Roode (Curelitzia)
Spectators Challenge
Showing pride is the backbone of the UPlymics. This is especially prevalent during the spectators’ challenges where other athletes and non-participants got to show their support for their fellow athletes during the event. Spectators from different houses, residences, societies and day houses showed their support with three teams facing off against each other at a time. These competitions flaunted the groups’ abilities to perform and their overall cheer spirit for their team.
The winners of the Spectators Challenge:
- Tirisano
- House Mopane
- Curelitzia
Tour de Tukkies
Tour de Tukkies is one of the most innovative means of participation at the UPlympics. The cycling competition which was held online, had cyclists from various structures competing from the comfort of their homes. UP Student Sport did a fine job in conducting the event and yielded great results. Vice-chairperson of UPSS, Alexandra Pashkin stated, “Tour de Tukkies actually started the event already two days ago. What do I mean by that? We ensured everybody signed into the app, we ensured everyone was comfortable with it. Any questions were covered within two, three days of okay cool, we’ve already signed into the app; give it a go, see how it works. And because of that, today went extremely smoothly because they were aware of how the app works and they were very comfortable with using it on the day at the times required.”
Winners of the Tour de Tukkies:
- Simeon Joubert (House Mopane)
- Cornelis Marinus Faling (House Tau)
- Philip Morkel (House Mopane)
Chess
A further development in UPlympics, specifically in chess, was the incorporation of the blind chess tournament. This was done by having braille chess boards with the black and white tiles also marked by different heights. Hlulani Mawila, TuksSport representative portfolio holder, states, “I took an idea and made sure it was inclusive. People enjoyed chess, they were able to see how it can be accommodating.” Mawila also attributes the success of this new development to a group effort. She recognizes all the hands from TuksSport and TuksChess who made an idea a reality. This year is only the base board from which UPSS will jump to creating a more inclusive sporting event for the university’s students.
Final Rankings
After a fun and exhilarating day of events, it came down to the big announcement. Out of all the residences, day houses, faculty houses and solo competitors. Who placed where when all was said and done?
Women’s points rankings:
- Madelief 77,5
- Azalea 56
- Curelitzia 41,5
Men’s points rankings:
- House Mopane 96
- EBIT 81
- Tuks Individuals 71,5
UPlympics is one of the largest and most integrated sporting events at the University of Pretoria. It was filled with vibe and energy brought by the roars of the crowd and the music playlist bursting through the speakers. It takes no small team to put an event of this scale together, but when every member pulls together it is sure to be a success. To the victors, congratulations. To the future of UPlympics, the game of all games!