Rector Magnificus Sarah de Rijcke recently paid her first visit to the University Sports Centre (USC). During a tour of the sports facilities and grounds, she gained insight into the many activities that take place there, from sports and wellbeing initiatives to examinations and events.
The visit offered a snapshot of daily life at the USC. Tennis coaching sessions were underway, the fitness area was busy, and volleyball and jiu-jitsu sessions were taking place in the sports halls.
“What immediately struck me was the welcoming and accessible atmosphere of the sports centre,” said De Rijcke. “There is so much happening at once, and there is space for all kinds of different sports and activities.”
She also emphasised that the USC is much more than a place to exercise. “What stood out to me was how vibrant the USC is. People come here not only to play sports, but also to meet, connect and spend time together. There is a real sense of community.”
In addition to the sports facilities, De Rijcke was given a behind-the-scenes look at Sports Centre’s operations. She saw how sports halls are transformed for large-scale examinations and learned more about the logistical preparations involved. Each year, the USC hosts a number of exams, making it an important support location for education as well as sport.
The ongoing development of the sports park was also discussed. Alongside the tennis and padel courts, De Rijcke visited the hockey pitch, the new 3x3 basketball court, and the recently completed football and rugby pitch, which are now in use.
The visit concluded with a meeting with USC staff members. It provided further insight into the work carried out at the sports centre, including group fitness classes, team sports, events, wellbeing programmes and examination support.
