Reading triumphs in own sports festival – University of Reading
24 February 2006
The University of Reading's Varsity Sports Festival proved to be a huge success despite the cold and damp conditions, with the home team putting in a great performance to lift the overall team trophy. The festival, part of the University of Reading's 80th birthday celebrations, saw guest teams from the Universities of Surrey, Winchester and Bath Spa converge and indeed submerge on the Whiteknights Campus. Over 450 competitors from the four universities battled it for most of the day in a range of sports including football, rugby, netball and mixed hockey. Keeping warm and dry in the University Sports Centre were the fortunate indoor cricket and badminton players! Despite the conditions much fun was had by all, with plenty to entertain competitors and spectators. The Ultimate Frisbee Showcase Team threw caution to the wind and demonstrated their considerable skills while the University's own Reading Bunnies - who were last year's National Student Cheerleading Champions – lent warm support from the touchlines. The Red Bull Girls were extremely popular, providing much needed refreshment for tired limbs. In the evening, Olympic rowing silver medallist and Reading graduate Debbie Flood was on hand to present prizes to the winners. The celebration continued late into the night, even prompting an unexpected visit from HRH Prince Harry. Sam Hibbs, festival organiser, was delighted at how the day went: "It was a fantastic day&ellipse;and night. Conditions were not the best but the competitors turned up, played their hearts out and were great representatives for their University. Everyone should be extremely proud. Many thanks to all involved – the event was a fantastic addition to our 80th birthday celebrations." Team Results 1st The University of Reading 2nd The University of Surrey 3rd The University of Winchester 4th Bath Spa University End For media enquiries, please contact James Barr on (tel) 0118 378 7115 or (email) j.w.barr@rdg.ac.uk