Forget the boat race – life-saving and ultimate frisbee will draw the crowds
15 February 2008
Everybody knows about the boat race but few know about the fierce competition between Oxford and Cambridge universities when it comes to Ultimate Frisbee and Life-saving.
Thirteen different disciplines will be contested over the next two weekends at the Varsity Games held at Oxford University’s Iffley Road Sports complex.
Like at the boat race, competing students that fulfil all the criteria will be awarded a ‘Blue’, or, in the less competitive sports, a ‘Half Blue’.
The games kick off with the Badminton competition on Saturday 16 February, and Life-saving, Netball and Gymnastics are being contested the same weekend. The following weekend sees competitions in Ultimate Frisbee, Karate, Trampolining, Taekwondo, Basketball, Swimming, Water Polo, Pistol Shooting, Fencing and Table Tennis.
The Varsity Games will show talented athletes, some of whom are high achievers in their sport. Richard Hildick-Smith, a second-year Engineering Science student and member of the Oxford swimming team, has represented Britain at World Championships, European Championships and World Cups since 2003.
He said: ‘This is obviously a massive day for the swimming club and is the day people have been working towards all year. Because no-one wants to let the rest of the team down, everyone is fired up and wanting to do their best for everyone else. The team is only as strong as its weakest link, but this year we have so much strength in depth we are confident that the varsity swimming 2008, will be coming home with Oxford.’
The games also leave room for those who have only just discovered a new sport. James Rupasinha, who studies Experimental Psychology, had never heard about Ultimate Frisbee before he came to Oxford. He was quickly addicted to it: ‘It was so easy to get involved and within the space of a few months, having played some of Europe’s top club teams, we’re looking forward to facing the old enemy,’ he said.
‘The sport is remarkably easy to understand; one team of seven attempts to pass the disc up the length of the field for a score. If their opponents get an interception, or the disc touches the floor, then possession switches and play resumes in the opposite direction.
‘What I like about Ultimate Frisbee is that it manages to blend real competitiveness with genuine sportsmanship – players even referee their own games. But what attracted me most was its inclusiveness: men and women, novices, teenagers and 30-year-olds all play together!’
This year’s Varsity Games is the 36th event of its kind, with the tradition of varsity competition going back to 1827, when a two-day cricket match between Oxford and Cambridge was first contested.
Lisa Ravenscroft, President of the Oxford University Sports Federation, who is organising the event, said: ‘Varsity time is the most hyped part of all of these players’ seasons, and indeed for some it is the sole competitive focus of the year’s training. Staging the Varsity Games is Oxford University Sports Federation’s privilege this year, and we’re going to make it great. All visitors are welcome - the atmosphere for the key matches will be electric!’
For more information, including opportunities to film or photograph at the events, please contact the Press Office on 01865 280531.