Spotlight

Athletics: The light at the end of the tunnel

Amidst the recovery from the effects that the COVID-19 had on the world, and on AUI more specifically, every department and aspect of campus is subject to major changes and reforms, to accommodate this global change. The Athletics Department is no stranger to those modifications.

After the reelection of the Student Athletics Council (SAC) earlier this month, a beacon of light has emerged among the community when it comes to the breath of fresh air this new board would bring. This new council is composed of:

  • Omar Mankour : President.
  • Omar Touira: Vice-President
  • Saad El Rhidani: Treasurer
  • Abdelouahab Oulmaati : General Secretary.

These profiles may come as no surprise to those involved with athletics on campus. In fact, most of them are seasoned members of the department and the Council alike. With that being said, their vision includes substantial additions and modifications to Student Life. We have met with Mr. Omar Touira, the VP, and he shared with us what is in store for Athletics at AUI.

New Spaces:

As part of its action plan for the semester, the Student Athletics Council is in the works of opening a few additional sports facilities to offer students more choices and availability of locations. Among these new resources are:

  • A miniature outdoors volleyball and basketball court: Located right between the Gymnasium and the Soccer Field, this new space will allow lovers of both sports to practice, or enjoy a friendly match with their peers anytime they wish, as the official volleyball and basketball teams keep their practice times and matches indoors. Currently, a basketball hoop is already installed in the space and students already use it.
  • A CrossFit circuit: Likely stationed in the underground floors of the gymnasium, beneath the Omnisports court. This will add to the resources already present in the Fitness Center, and offer new ones for this branch of fitness.

It is also important to note that these spaces will not be confined in use to athletes in official AUI sports teams. The purpose behind this entire rebranding of Athletics is first and foremost to be inclusive of all students, despite their level of athleticism and belonging to official teams.

Events for Spring 2021: 

With the pandemic restrictions in place, it has been found difficult to host the major events that AUI Athletics usually host during the Spring semesters. However, the SAC is still hopeful. There is still a way to hold events and contribute to campus life without breaching safety indications. Those could be:

  • Athletics Days (with other schools): While respecting safety measures, AUI can invite other schools within the 50% recommended space capacity, and negative PCR tests for all non-AUIers coming to campus.
  • Internal Matches: Similarly to the Old Team vs. New Team basketball match that took place on February 20th, the department plans to host local matches, either between senior and new players, or students and staff/faculty.

Athletics Shop:

The SAC has a long-term plan of opening an athletics store, located in the old bookstore (across the AUI campus store). The store will offer Athletics branded merchandise (Shirts, jerseys, jackets, sweatsuits, caps, etc), for all AUI students wishing to acquire such items and represent the AUI Lions.

Athletics Clubs: 

To promote and implement its vision of inclusivity, the Athletics Office and Council have facilitated the re-opening of two Athletics Clubs: Golf and Horseback Riding Clubs, that have started their activities this semester.

One thing the SAC stresses is that Athletics Clubs are encouraged, and include everyone. According to Mr. Touira, students, especially newcomers, are welcome to participate in Athletics. 

“ We would like to avoid the thought that campus is boring, or there are not enough athletics activities, especially to newcomers who have not been here before the pandemic.” 

– Omar Touira

The Takeaway:

What the Student Athletics Council wants every student at AUI to know, is that Athletics do not have to be exclusive or intimidating. Anyone can try out for a team, and even those who do not wish to join any official team can hang out with their friends, play sports and use the facilities. Should that person want to do that in a more structured and regular manner, they can easily reach out to the Council and open a club.

“If five people or more share a hobby would like to make it a club, they can come to us. We will do our best to provide them with anything they need.”

– Omar Touira

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