Simon says about sport

My name is Simon Griffin and I am Swansea University's Athletic Union President.

I am here to help! If you have any problems or concerns which are sport related, please come and find me. My office is located on the 2nd floor of Union House (behind Fulton House), just beyond the Level 2 shop. The office is normally open weekdays from 9.00am until 5.00pm.

My job as AU president will be to oversee all the clubs and sporting events within the university.

I ensure that everything runs smoothly and effectively, giving students a more hassle free opportunity to get involved in sport.

Who is the AU for?

We have around 50 clubs in the AU, meaning there is something for everyone. Get involved! It doesn't matter if you wish to compete at a high level or simply want to get fit and have fun.

If there is a sport that we offer that you have always wanted to try but have never been able to, go for it - your time at university is very likely to be the only time you'll ever have access to such a wide variety of sports.

Through the Athletic Union, you have the chance to meet lots of new people - all of our clubs are very welcoming and friendly.

While maintaining a good balance between academic responsibility and your personal life, involvement in the Athletic Union is an excellent way to engage in the university experience!

Astroturf, running tracks, and an olympic sized pool

The new sports village just across the road has gone from strength to strength, giving the University some of the best facilities in the UK.

In fact they are so good that in 2006 Swansea University hosted the British University Games, which were a tremendous success, and this year we host the BUSA Cross Country and Mountain Biking events.

Just to give you an idea, we have the Olympic-sized Wales National Pool, two new water based astroturfs, new indoor and outdoor running tracks, jumping and throwing areas, a sports hall, gym and loads more facilities elsewhere in Swansea.

It's well worth a look if you can get over there. Most of our teams compete regularly in the British University Sports Association championships - some sports have individual events and others compete every Wednesday afternoon - I very much doubt you've even looked at your timetables yet (or will for a few weeks yet!), but there should be a big gap on a Wednesday afternoon.

This gap is an inheritance from our forefathers' tireless efforts - it is our duty to make the most of it. Making the most of it is simple - take part in sport.

On a Wednesday you can either compete in the BUSA league (if that's what your sport does), train for the next event or simply take part, enjoy yourself and keep fit!

Where are legends made?

You will soon come to realise that Wednesdays are the greatest day in the university week.

You might get one or two lectures in the morning at a push, then...a whole afternoon of sport with your mates and then...the infamous Sportsnight.

AU Sportsnight is at PLAY nightclub at the bottom of Wind Street (which you will discover in no time at all), with giant screens showing the afternoons sport, a buzzing atmosphere and all profits going directly back into sports clubs. Get your tickets from the Ents box office or the AU office.

Seriously though, if you're thinking about trying something new, or even if you're not, go for it anyway - university is probably the only time in your lives you'll have such a wide range of sports available to you - take advantage!

Make sure you check out our website www.suau.co.uk regularly as well to keep up to date with all things Swansea sports related.

Have an excellent time in Swansea, get involved, and I hope to see you all soon.

Simon Griffin - Athletic Union President

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