The spirit of sportsmanship was alive as everyone hit the Sports Complex for the 2024 Sports Day.  It wasn’t just the students—the security guards, bus drivers, cafeteria team, lecturers, Deans, the Vice Chancellor, all joined in, uniting for a day of fun and camaraderie. It was truly a “sports for all” kind of day. The vibrant colors worn by participants, each representing different schools, painted the field with energy. Staff members, too, proudly donned in their branded gear, all geared up and ready to tackle any challenge the day had in store.

Despite the cold, gloomy morning, the mood quickly shifted as Liz from SU Wellness led a lively warm-up session. It was the perfect way to kickstart our muscles and psych for the day. And whether you had two left feet or are a zumba enthusiast, or simply enjoy adding a bit of dance to your warm-up, it was all about having fun and getting your body moving.

The Dean of Students, Paul Ochieng, officially kicked off the action-packed day. From football and volleyball to rugby, tennis, table tennis, swimming, and basketball, participants swiftly dispersed to their chosen sports venues and jumped into the action. The field buzzed with activity, and it wasn’t just the athletes who were on their toes—intellectual games like chess, crosswords, scrabble, and card games also drew a crowd, eager to flaunt their strategic skills.

In the archery arena, I stumbled upon Dean Ochieng, surrounded by a lively cluster of first-year students. (One student even quipped with a grin, “Is it that obvious?” when I asked what year they were in.) The Dean was in his element, channeling his inner Robin Hood while showing off his archery skills—proving that his aim is as spot-on as his knack for leading. Who knew the Dean had such a knack for hitting bullseyes and scoring points with students at the same time?

As I moved across the field, the volleyball pitch hosted an epic showdown: Coaches vs. Students!  The game was charged with energy, as coaches tackled the competition with intense focus. I found myself right in the thick of it, literally getting hit by the ball mid-play. The coaches’ commitment to their “In It to Win It” mantra was evident, and their relentless drive turned the match into a thrilling spectacle. Hats off to them—the coaches clinched the victory!

The basketball court was buzzing with action—tall players dunking like pros and shorter ones dribbling like their lives depended on it. I stood there, daydreaming about joining in, but then reality tapped me on the shoulder, reminding me that with my height and current skill set, I’d probably need a ladder just to keep up. So, I stuck to cheering them on and soaking up the action from a safe distance.

Nearby, on the open pitch near the tents, where student entrepreneurs were busy selling their products, the rugby team was hard to miss—you could spot them from a mile away. Touch rugby was in full swing, and it was hilarious to see some ladies jump in, giving the guys a run for their money. And let’s not forget the haka—every time a team won, they’d break into a chant that echoed across the field. “Leos, Tukoooo!!” was their battle cry, and it was a sight (and sound) to behold.

I couldn’t help but notice the lightning-fast dashes and sprints of the men and women on the track—some even running barefoot. The way they passed that baton was so smooth, it made me wonder if they had buttered their hands before the race!

The real action, though, was on the wider pitch where the fun was in full swing. Football ruled the day (though I learned the hard way that it’s not my sport after taking a few hits from those flying balls). Students teamed up with their classmates, playing fiercely against other students, and even the staff jumped into the fray. It was all about getting your head in the game, and everyone played like there was no tomorrow! As the finals approached, they took place at the furthest end of the field. On one side, the male students and staff members were squaring off, a rematch of last year’s head-to-head battle. On the other side, the ladies were playing an exhibition football match. We found ourselves moving back and forth like a pendulum, trying to catch all the action as it unfolded. The Staff team won the game in the penalties.

Back at the auditorium, the table tennis players were warming up. It was intriguing to watch how swiftly a small ball moved back and forth without touching the ground. Although I didn’t fully grasp the seamlessness of their play, I noted their intense concentration on the ball and their flexibility around the table. Is that the trick? The previous year’s champion entered with great enthusiasm, declaring, “I’m here to defend my title!” and indeed, she lived up to her words by winning the trophy,  yet again!

Amidst all the games and lively activities, the field was a burst of colors—pinks, blues, and greens splashed across everyone. It was like a walking rainbow, and I couldn’t help but wonder how they’d make their way home, looking like a parade of clowns. Despite the vibrant chaos, everyone danced joyfully and made the most of the day. As the day drew to a close, champions gleefully clutched their medals and trophies, while others limped away, their sore muscles either a badge of honor or a reminder of their inactivity. Many were delighted to have tried out new sports, battled it out with friends, or even squared off against staff and lecturers. What a day to remember!

Article written by Jemmy M. Kamau