By Sian Doherty
Between the dates of the 10th to the 12th of March, over 30 sports teams and societies from Hull University Students’ Union took on their University of Lincoln Students’ Union counterparts for our annual Varsity competition, The Humber Games. Since the disappointment of the events cancellation in 2020 due to Covid, alongside the fact this was the first home games since 2018 and with us sporting a new sports facility, we wanted to create something that the students would never forget. I think this is something we achieved.
Starting with the war of the Varsity promo video, I think it’s safe to say we absolutely smashed it this year. Our students were so engaged with the process and we had so much social media content to use to build up to the big day. I would also like to give a quick shoutout to Ellis (President of Activities) who took all the raw footage from our filming days and made them into videos we could use on social media and on screens throughout the Union and the Sports Centre!
Now, onto the actual event! With over 1200 Varsity packs purchased by Hull and Lincoln students, the campus was buzzing with activity from the get go. We already had the Riding and Archery competitions by this point, and we were more than ready for more fixtures! The atmosphere was electric in the Sports Centre, with all three indoor courts filled with cheering, chants, and buzzers. Outside the rain held off, which allowed for some great results and enabled the spectators to really enjoy the sports they were watching.
The sports and activities finished at around 7pm and saw the start of the socials. With lots of clubs doing joints with Lincoln teams, it was definitely a unique atmosphere! Then results came around and Kat (President of Activities from Lincoln) and I took to the stage to present which sports had won and who the overall winner was. Unfortunately for Hull Union, the overall score did lean in Lincoln’s favour and ended up being 102-134 to Lincoln.
Despite not bringing the trophy home, I can honestly say that I have never been so proud of our student groups. They showed unwavering determination, good sportsmanship and passion. Covid hit us hard and we hit back harder putting on what was one of my favourite days of my whole university experience (and for those who don’t know, I’ve been here for a very long time!).
It was an honour to have this as one of my last events as HUSU’s President of Sports, and I have no doubt that the 2023 Varsity title is ours! #WeAreHull.
Photo Credit:Hull Student Union
