UniversityGames

Massive preparation are taking place for the second edition of the National University Games which kicks off on February 10, 2003 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports with athletic events.

The Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), in collaboration with the National University Sports Federation (NUSF) and under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are carrying out massive preparation for the games.

Already the technical committee for the games have released the rules and regulations that will govern same.

There are reports of the various Universities intensifying training sessions for the games. When are our reporter visiting the campuses of the universities, he saw that the spirit of the games is clearly visible. Meanwhile, a release issued by the Publicity Committee of the games say, the athletic events will commence on February 10, 2003 at the SKD Sports Complex. Events to be competed in include 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1x200m, 1x400m, javelin, long jump and short putt. The participating universities are expected to feature male and female teams in these disciplines.

The rest of the games which include football, volleyball and basketball will be played on Tuesday, February 11 running to the 15th, 2003.

The participating universities have been grouped. According to the fixture, Cuttington University College (CUC), AME University (AMEU) and United Methodist University (UMU) have been placed in Group 1.

Group 2 consists of University of Liberia (UL), Don Bosco Polytechnic and AME Zion University (AMEZU).

Meanwhile, the technical committee has said that all participating teams are to arrive 30 minutes before playing time and inspections

and /or registration. They said any team coming 15 minutes late after regulation time will pay a fine of L$300.00. Coming 30 minutes after the playing time is a forfeiture.

The National University Games are being hosted by the LNOC with the sponsorship of the International Olympic Committee.

The aim of the games is to spot, develop and promote potential athletes for future international competitions, namely the Olympics, the International University Games and All African Games.

The games are also intended to promote sportsmanship among the university.