USQ athletes off to Gold Coast Challenge

50 athletes from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will compete against universities from Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) in the 2008 Gold Coast Challenge from 6–9 July 2008.

Held each year, the Gold Coast Challenge replaced the Northern University Games and involves 11 team sports and a four-night social program.

USQ Student Guild Sports & Clubs Officer Matt Hogan said the University will be represented by four teams in 2008.

'This year we are sending 50 students which is up on last year. We have an indoor netball, beach touch, women's beach volleyball and women's basketball team,' Mr Hogan said.

'It's good for the students to get out and be active and mix with other students from other universities. They get to meet plenty of new people and make new friends.'

Around 1,000 athletes will participate in the Gold Coast Challenge. Mr Hogan said students mainly represent Queensland universities, but it is open to all universities.

'Canberra University is sending up a team, as is Wollongong.'

Students who participate in either the Gold Coast Challenge or the other challenges in Sydney and Melbourne will be eligible to participate in the Australian University Games in Melbourne in September.

Education student Emma Brandt said she was very excited about representing USQ in the mixed netball team.

'This is my second Gold Coast Challenge,' Emma said.

'It's awesome. You have so much fun and get to meet people from the other unis.

'You make so many new friends. I've encouraged a few first years from Concannon College to come along this year.'

Emma said her team was also eager to participate in the Australian University Games.

'We are planning to go to Melbourne in September but we'll have to do a bit more fundraising to get there!'

For more information on the Gold Coast Challenge visit the USQ Student Guild website www.studentguild.com.au

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559