A bumper 2017 lies in store at Wits
- Tshepiso Mametela
Wits Sport launches a state-of-the-art gym and prepares to host major varsity tournaments.
2017 is set to be an incredible year for Wits Sport as it continues with service delivery to the Wits community and supporting Wits athletes.
The year kicks-off with Wits Sport launching the Wits Fitness and Wellness Centre, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, billed to be the largest of its kind on any campus in South Africa.
Wits Sport is also set to open a satellite office next to The Matrix student centre on the Braamfontein Campus East in order to improve access. The new office comes with a clothing store, courtesy of a partnership with sports clothing company Canterbury. Look out for a unique clothing range developed specifically for Wits.
Students who want to make a mark on the field of play will be spoilt for choice as they can chose from a possible 35 Sport Clubs at Wits. Students can sign up at the annual Welcome Day on 29 January, during O-Week (from 30 January to 03 February) and throughout the year at the satellite office.
Varsity Tournaments
Wits will play host to high profile sporting fest in 2017, with four Varsity Cup rugby matches playing out on home turf during the annual inter-varsity rugby tournament. Wits will take on FNB Shimlas on 30 January; FNB CUT Ixias on 13 February; FNB NMMU on 13 March and finally FNB UCT on 27 March.
In other hosting duties, Wits Sport will stage a number of University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament matches in 2017. This will see football, basketball, netball and rugby games served, with the possibility of the hosting of several other codes on display. All eyes will, however, be on the men’s basketball side, dubbed the Wits Bucks, as they will be out to defend their USSA title won in 2016.
The stakes will continue to beam high in July and August as Wits will once again participate in Varsity Football, with at least four matches expected to take place on Wits University turf.
Looking further into 2017, students can relish flexing their muscles at one of the new outdoor gymnasiums, without having to dig into their pockets. And for those who want a night thrill, taking part in the annual Discovery Wits 5km Night Run on 2 February should be on the cards. It will also be the perfect opportunity to meet new people and mingle with fellow Witsies.
The year ahead is sure to be an exciting one – even more so as one lucky student will walk away with a brand new set of wheels. To stand a chance at sporting a new car at the first-ever Car Give-away, students can join WitsVibe – the university’s very own Supporters Club.
But, if being the perennial couch coach appeals to you, be sure to watch the MTN Top 8 Knockout Champions when Bidvest Wits takes on major teams in the PSL. There’s also a seat for you as a coach at the Bidvest stadium stands when the ‘Clever Boys’ play on campus.
Read - Wits Sport enjoys a memorable 2016
Keep in touch with Wits Sport via their website and Twitter.