An annual sports day event between two Universities allowed students to trade lecture halls for playing fields and escape the stress of exams.
University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University went head to head on Wednesday 18 March at Sheffield Hallam Sports Park in their annual Varsity Sports Park event, seeing various sports teams from both Universities competing for the final trophy.
But, the day not only gave sports players a chance to bring home a medal, it also allowed students across of both institutes to take a days rest, away from the pressure of end of term exams, and enjoy a day of sports in the sun.
Amelia Brunt, 19, student at the University of Sheffield and also a member of Pom Cheerleading said: “Seeing everyone supporting each other was so wholesome and spending time with my friends whilst watching different sports with them was so well needed.”
Students were able to start their stress-free day at 11am with the men’s four’s football match and could enjoy a whole day in the sun until 7pm, with the day ending on the rugby union women’s one’s match.
This year saw temperatures in Sheffield reach 19.6 degrees celsius, which allowed pupils to bring picnics and sunbathe on the grass between sports matches, whilst also getting some photographs in the sun.
Alice McLean, 19, student at the University of Sheffield said: “The University truly felt like a community and it was so exciting to watch and support so many teams.
“The atmosphere was enthusiastic and the weather just made the day even better, it was such a fun day.”
Surrounding the games, students also had the opportunity to buy merchandise as a memory of the day, have temporary tattoos of Roary McTaverstock, the mascot for University of Sheffield, and enjoy free Red Bulls and Powerades given out by sponsors.
Varsity Sports Park is one event that is a part of the whole Sheffield Varsity, which sees all the sports teams from Uni of and Hallam compete against each other for points, with one University coming out on top.
This year saw the University of Sheffield take the trophy again for the 12th year in a row with a 39 point victory over Sheffield Hallam and will return again next year.
