Join in on UCT 175 sporting celebrations

It's going to have it all - sport, a pantheon of celebs (you can bump into Nick Mallett sometime during the day), comedy, fun for the little ones, a marching band, an ivy-league English team out to show their students do more than just row, and even a couple of lucky prizes. All free.

The UCT Rugby Club and the Department of Communication and Development are hosting a family sport day, part of the university's 175th anniversary celebrations, on September 18.

The highlight of the day is a rugby match between the FNB UCT first XV and a visiting Cambridge University side at 16h15, an encounter that is seen by some aficionados as the ideal apéritif to the upcoming Springbok tour to British shores. To add to the grandeur of the occasion, the vice-chancellor, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, will unveil a commemorative 175 rugby plaque just before kick-off. A marching band - a mix of players from the Army Band, in full regalia, and the UCT Brass Band - will break out in chorus as the vice-chancellor meets the players from the two sides, and supporters will lead the crowd in a war cry.

The UCT 175 Rugby and Family Sports Day - fun for short - is open to all staff and their families, students, as well as alumni and their families. It begins at 11h00 with two rugby matches, the Hiddingh Old Crocks versus the Alzheimer's XV (we can but wonder), and Hiddingh versus Villagers Jocks. They may have lost some speed and a handful of notches on their belts, but many ex-Springboks and provincial players will be running out for these matches.

And the day isn't just about rugby, either. Also starting at 11h00 are a number of other sporting activities and coaching clinics, including basketball and volleyball matches, angling on UCT's dam, wall-climbing, capoeira (the limber Brazilian martial art that's taking off around the world) demonstrations, and much more.

Kurt Schoonraad, stand-up extraordinaire, will also take the stage during the lunch break to keep everyone in stitches.

And the kids will have plenty to keep them busy. A jumping castle, with supervision, is open for the youngsters, and they can also have the 175 emblem painted on their faces, amid other entertainments. Refreshments will be supplied by Spur, Coke, Willards and Milo. Music, beer and wine will be available in the beer tent.

Entry is free, and everyone is invited to enjoy the day and support UCT by singing the rugby war cry just before the main match.

For more information contact Murray Steyn at 650 3315 or e-mail him at msteyn@bremner.uct.ac.za.