Thousands of newcomers compete in ‘good vibes’ sports day

Dunedin's Logan Park was a sea of face paint, mascots and "good vibes" yesterday as thousands of newcomers to the University of Otago’s residential colleges pitted themselves against one another in a friendly sports free-for-all.

The annual Unipol Collegiate Sports Day, a fixture of Orientation Week, was a hit.

Cumberland College residents give it some welly. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH

Students of all stripes got to know each other on the field.

Inter-college competition lead co-ordinator Mica Goldsmith-Lonie said the sports day was the biggest event of the year for Unipol, the university’s recreation centre.

Planning for next year’s event began straight after this year’s event.

Netball was the order of the day for Aquinas College resident Eden Gilchrist, 18.

"It’s really about bringing the good vibes and seeing people have fun, getting to know each other on the field."

Salmond College residents Charlotte Mitchell, 18, of Tauranga, and Jania Cowson, 18, of Auckland, said the event had definitely helped bring new friendships to light.

"With the majority of our college here, the support for each other is definitely strong," Miss Cowson said.

The University Flats team, led by Peter Samuelu, 17, on their way to winning the tug-of-war.

A variety of sports were played, but the day began with one of the most anticipated events — the tug of war — which was won by the University Flats team.

Health science student Molly Culpan, 18, of Auckland, who lives at Knox College, said despite her college’s defeat, the tug of war was the best event to watch, as it had big crowds and "good vibes".

Otago University Students’ Association president Keegan Wells said the event was great.

It was important to have these events so first year students could come together and get to know each other, but also have a bit of competition.

Friendly rivalry was usually a feature of the sports day, but students brought a positive attitude to the event yesterday and there were no really strong rivalries.

"[It’s] been pretty civil."

Carrington College residents support their team in a netball match.

Te Rangihīroa College residents Annie-Mae Cochran and Sienna McKenzie, both 18 and of Auckland, said that they were having a great time supporting people from their college as they played.

Most people from the college had shown up to support each other.

By Olivia Judd