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An annual tradition since 2016, the 20th September is the International Day of University Sport. As we celebrate Swansea University’s centenary year, this blog will take a brief tour of 100 years of sport at the University.

From the University’s foundation, sport has played a significant role in student life.
In the 1920s, in February or March, an inter-collegiate event took place between the university colleges in Wales (Bangor, Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Swansea), where student teams competed in football, rugby and hockey. Further information about the event can be found in our previous blog ‘Varsity, 1920s Style’.

University College of Swansea Ladies’ Hockey Team, c.1920s (RBA reference: 1996/14)

In 1932 the new University sports pavilion, located on Sketty Lane, was opened.
The pavilion was designed by Swansea architect Glendinning Moxham (1865-1946), whose other designs include the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery and Barclays Bank Swansea (now the Bank Statement pub, Wind St).

Opening Ceremony of the University’s sports pavilion, 1932 (RBA reference 2017/6)

Swansea has had a number of sporting alumni, including Paralympian gold medallist in swimming, Liz Johnson (Business Management, 2005-2008), and Welsh Rugby Union captains Alun Wyn Jones (Law, 2005-2009) and Watcyn Thomas (English and History, 1924-1929). Thomas led Wales to Twickenham, defeating the England rugby team in 1933.

University College of Swansea rugby team (Watcyn Thomas, centre with ball), 1927/28 (RBA reference 1998/8)

As the University expanded, so did its offering of different types of sports. Here, Gwyneth Diment (Assistant Director of Sport, later Head of Sport, c.1970s-2000s) talks about her experiences of roller hockey in the 1980s! (Gwyneth Diment interviewed by Sam Blaxland, Voices of Swansea University, 1920-2020, 2017. C0001/54). And Robin Williams ( Vice-Chancellor, 1994-2003) discusses the development of the sports facilities at the University. (Robin Williams interviewed by Sam Blaxland, Voices of Swansea University, 1920-2020, 2017. C0001/43).

Swansea University Students’ Union Cheerleading Society, 2017
Swansea University Students’ Union Canoe Society on Swansea Bay, 2017
Swansea University Womens’ Rugby team, c.1990s (RBA reference 2012/19)

Today the University has over 50 sports clubs such as basketball, cheerleading, judo and paddleboarding, with sporting facilities available at both Singleton Park and Bay campuses. Find out more about the history of sport at Swansea from the stories of those in the University’s sports community and the 100 Years of Sport timeline video.

100 Years of Sport at Swansea University, 2020

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