Relay Racing, Gladiator Contests and Tugs of War at Staff Sports Day

BY: .

The College of Humanities staff had a fun time at their annual sports day this year in spite of the cold weather.

This year’s events also incorporated a Gladiator challenge with a 5,5 meter giant slide and a “face off” with the Raging Bull  who furiously  floored everyone that tried his/her luck. Other events included tug “o” war contests, relay sprints, shot put and fun in sun activities like sack and three-legged races.

The Sports Day was established in 2013 by the College’s Director of Professional Services Mr Kishore Gobardan and Finance Manager Mr Dane Arumugam, with the aim of bringing together professional services staff to build a strong team.

Said Gobardan: ‘We wanted an event for professional services to bring together everyone and promote commonality and team work within the College and the need to build a strong team.’

Staff members were split into four teams: Blue Fire, Yellow Bees, Green Mambas, and the Red Bulls.

The day commenced with Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Stephen Mutula describing the sports event as one that builds collegiality and team spirit. He said, ‘This event allows the College staff to work together as a team not only during these sporting activities but the aspect of teamwork will ultimately transcend into the workplace.’  

This sentiment was executed with a lip-sync battle among the contestants in order to break the ice. After this the games began with the Red Bulls emerging victorious.

Red Bulls’ captains, Ms Bongekile Bhengu and Mr Vulane Mthembu, both praised their teams, saying team work makes the dream work.

For future sports day events, the College plans to build on what they have done from the sporting perspective because it is all part of the wellness of the staff.

Gobardan and Arumugam said they would be planning to incorporate an academic sector in the near future and hold separate events – such as a fun walk/run – all in the aim of bringing the staff together.

‘We have plans to set up a gym for the College of Humanities staff which will help promote active healthy living and wellness,’ said Arumugam.

Given its phenomenal success and positive impact on staff in the College, we hope that other Colleges and support services could host similar events and at some point perhaps an inter-college sports day could materialise at UKZN.

‘Sport has the power to change to the world … It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does… Sport can create hope where once there was only despair...,’ - Nelson Mandela

Words by: Nomcebo Mncube

Photographs: Thandiwe Madikazi