Title

Notre Dame excels at the 2009 Australian University Games

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 14-10-2009

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

From 27 September to 2 October, 66 students from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle and Sydney campuses, along with 6,937 students from around Australia, gathered in Sea World on the Gold Coast for the 2009 Australian University Games (AUG).

The games began in 1993 and each year the sporting schedule is made up of more than 28 individual and team sports. Off the sporting field, an action-packed, week-long social program is conducted aiming to complement the sporting activities and enhance the event experience for the participants.

Fremantle and Sydney students combined forces this year to form teams in mixed touch rugby, rugby 7’s, women's basketball, lawn bowls, women’s beach volleyball, mixed netball, women’s netball and golf as well as individual athletes competing in athletics and swimming.

Jay Bycroft (mixed netball) and Callum Sauer (rugby 7’s) received Green and Gold team selection which is given to athletes who perform at a high level in their sport throughout the week while also demonstrating good sportsmanship to other players and officials.

“Selection in the Green and Gold team was a great honour. My teammates from both Sydney and Fremantle were crucial in my selection and they deserve some recognition too!” said Mr Sauer.

The rugby 7’s team, who had four team members from Sydney and eight from Fremantle, did not have the chance to train together all year however still achieved fourth overall in division one.

“The 2009 uni games was the best uni games I have experienced, people were friendly, the Gold Coast turned the weather on for us, the competition (rugby 7's) was organised well and the social program was fantastic,” said Mr Sauer.

Final year Physiotherapy student, Emily Loughnan, won Silver in the 5,000m running and Bronze in the 1,500m running.

"Becoming involved in university life through sport has been the best way of making the most of my time at uni. There is nothing quite like being a part of a Notre Dame team where hard work, enjoyment and of course pride in our uni make us strive for excellence," said Miss Loughnan.

Another achievement was finishing 7th overall in the Doug Ellis Trophy, awarded to the university that achieves the highest overall points tally after adjustments are made based on student population.

Sports Officers, Jaimee Montgomery (Fremantle) and Tristan Liles (Sydney), were pleased with the performance of all students.

“Students from both campuses combined to create a fun and energetic community. With the games being held in Perth next year all students are encouraged to participate, and be part of the biggest Notre Dame team in history—and maybe even take out the Doug Ellis Trophy!” said Miss Montgomery.

Media contact:

Rebecca Cassidy 08 9433 0611, 0408 959 138

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