Team Kent takes the trophy in the biggest University sporting event of the year!
The University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University teams went head-to-head to showcase the best of University sport in Canterbury.
Varsity, an annual event between the two Universities, brought together students from across the city to participate in over 30 fixtures and support their University. After 5 days of matches and with the final fixtures played, the Varsity scoreboard stood at 13:21 to Kent, allowing them to hold onto the much coveted Varsity trophy and winners title for yet another year.
This year players wore rainbow coloured laces in support of the Stonewall campaign – to kick homophobia out of sport. The campaign which promotes the message ‘We don’t care which team you play for’ was backed by University of Kent students who re-laced in support and tweeted in their messages using the hashtag #RainbowLaces and #KentVarsity.
The fixtures were attended by members of the public, students and University and Union staff. Sports that competed in Varsity included; Volleyball, Badminton, Cycling, basketball, Netball, Football, Rugby, Hockey, Tennis, Swimming, Equestrian, Snow Sports, Trampolining, Lacrosse and Cricket. Varsity was established in 1999 and Celebrates Friendship, Pride, Passion in sport. The first ever Canterbury Varsity match took place at Canterbury Rugby Club in February 1999, Men’s Rugby 1st XV. The local regiment the Princess of Wales Royal regiment donated the tiger trophy which is still presented to the winners to this day.
Kent Union Sports and Societies Manager Rebecca Green said: “We are so proud of all of our students who have taken part in Varsity, showing the true spirit of sportsmanship and upholding the University’s and Unions’ reputation. We look forward to working with Canterbury Christchurch Students’ Union in future sporting events.”
Kent Union Vice President (Sports) Nina Mehmi said: “Varsity is a great event to be part of and definitely something students will remember forever. The sporting event has successfully brought together Canterbury’s students, through a common interest in sport, mixed with a little health rivalry! I’m so proud of Team Kent and would like to thank everyone who took part, supported, funded and organised the event.”