FISU Oceania and countries across the region celebrated International Day of University Sport (IDUS) on 20 September 2021. This annual event is recognised by UNESCO and celebrated in over 150 countries across the world.
Here in Oceania, IDUS activities were held in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands and Samoa. Activities were held online in many nations due to current pandemic restrictions. Online activities included virtual races, sports quiz nights and video competitions. In person events were able to be held in some countries including Northern Mariana Islands.
Northern Marians College Sports held a successful sports day involving students, local sport federations and the wider community. Competitions were held in volleyball, football and ultimate frisbee as well as throwing and football juggling competitions. With plenty of sport and prizes to be won, the day was a great success.
When asked why it was important to celebrate International Day of University Sport, FISU Student Ambassador and NMI College student Miss Bernal outlined; “Celebrating International Day of University Sport is a way we can not only promote the physical and mental health benefits of sport and activity, it is also a way we can connect with other Colleges and universities from across the world as we unite as one to celebrate university sport on the 20th of September every year”.
Other activities across the region included:
Australia – Online Swift cycling competition, social media posts by NUSF, posts by individual universities and individuals recognizing IDUS
Cook Islands – Recognition of IDUS by National Olympic Committee
Fiji – Video recordings celebrating IDUS, social media posts by NUSF
Marshall Islands – Social media posts by National Olympic Comittee
New Zealand – Online competitions held by Wellington and Auckland universities, online sports quiz held by Waikato University, social media posts by NUSF
Northern Mariana Islands – Sports day with 5 sports holding activities for students and the community, social media posts by NMI College Sports
Papua New Guinea – Intervarsity competitions planed for Port Moresby universities, cultural celebrations planned in Madang (note – PNG went into lockdown before activities could be held – activities now planned for October)
Samoa – Social media posts
More information about International Day of University Sport can be found on the FISU website.
