Tristan Leyds

The Olympic Games are renowned for being the largest sporting spectacle, featuring the most diverse array of sports, the highest number of athletes, and the most significant gathering of people from different nations, all united in the spirit of friendly competition.

Lynn Abrahamse

This prestigious event, held every four years, is a dream for many sportspeople, whether they are athletes, coaches, managers, fans, or even academics. Seven University of the Western Cape (UWC) community members are realising this dream by participating in various events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which kicked off this week.

Ryan Julius

Among them is alumnus Ryan Julius, competing in his second consecutive Olympic Games as part of Team South Africa’s hockey team. Former UWC student Tristan Leyds, who played Varsity Cup rugby for the University, is part of the Sevens Rugby team. Other university community members in the national team include Lynn Abrahamse, the manager of the national women’s hockey team, and Jenna Morkel, who is serving as the technical analyst for the women’s rugby team.

Jenna Morkel

Additionally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education held by UWC’s Professor Marion Keim, will co-host the Paris 2024 International Olympics Educations, Sport and Peace Conference, which will hybrid in Paris and online on 25-26 July. Among the many speakers at the event will be UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development and Support, Professor Matete Madiba; UWC Professor Christo de Coning; as well as current student Raedene Lucas; and, alumni Dr Ben Sanders and Dr Lyndon Bouah, who is the Director of Sport and Recreation in the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Acting Director of UWC Sport, Glen Bentley, congratulated the participants and said their achievements speak volumes about UWC’s capability and role on the world stage.

“Their representation at the Olympic Games indicates our versatility as an institution. It shows their dedication and total commitment to sport at all levels. As UWC Sport, we are extremely proud of them.”