Up-and-coming young athletes have descended on Footscray as the 2016 Southern University Games get under way.
More than 1800 students from 15 institutions across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are vying for games glory in 18 sports this week, in an event due to inject more than $1.5 million into the local economy.
Victoria University is hosting the games for the first time, in conjunction with the university’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
Australian University Sport chief executive Don Knapp said VU has strong recreational and elite sport programs, with a number of state and national representatives in their respective sports.
Retired Australian netball legend Bianca Chatfield, VU’s Netball Academy head coach and the games patron, said the event offers more than just a chance for students to display athletic abilities.
“It also allows student athletes the opportunity to socialise and build friendships,” she said.
Maribyrnong mayor Cameron McDonald said the council is proud to be a major partner in the games.
“This premiere national sporting event is the perfect complement to the city of Maribyrnong as it showcases the best that this area of Victoria has to offer – both on and off the sports field.”
The VU event is one of four regional qualifying competitions for the 2016 Australian University Games in Perth in September.
