KPU Sport & Recreation launches spring 2022 intramural leagues
Participants have the opportunity to establish social connections while enjoying sports
Fall 2021 basketball intramurals at the KPU Surrey Gymnasium. (Submitted)
On Feb. 7, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sport and Recreation program opened its doors to students joining the spring 2022 intramurals. Students are encouraged to break a sweat, enjoy some healthy recreation, and establish social interactions through team sports.
Intramural leagues and tournaments will be held at the Surrey campus with four major sports leagues in place: indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Teams of five can compete in the soccer and basketball tournaments, teams of six in the volleyball tournament.
To participate in one of the leagues, students must register online and pay a fee ranging from $20 to $35.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to provide on-campus activities for students,” says Shalini Vanan, manager of Sport, Recreation & Health Promotions.
“It’s more than just a physical activity, it is also an opportunity for social engagement and social connection, [and for] students to be able to participate and get to know each other,”
With in-person events, KPU Sport and Recreation is working to provide students with a safe environment amidst COVID-19 worries.
“We’re requiring students to provide their proof of vaccination, wearing masks when not actively participating … and right now, show up for their league events and schedules,” she says.
Vaccine passports should also be accompanied by both KPU and government ID to gain access to the facilities.
There may have been some setbacks for in-person school programs due to COVID-19, but constant communication with the students through emails and social media has helped to keep students aware of what is being offered, and what restrictions are in place right now.
Vanan also says the intramural program last fall and in the previous years have improved. There is a higher participation of students who are excited to be back on campus and play games with their peers.
Mark Mercado, a fourth-year student, joined the volleyball intramural league last year during the fall semester.
“It was really fun to play volleyball and to be able to play sports with everybody once again, because with sports, you have a friendly competition, and you get to essentially play a sport you like or want to learn how to,” says Mercado.
He says it felt great to do something school-related that was not academic, and with fewer interactions with other students due to the pandemic, it would be a good step forward “to start heading into that social interaction again where we can start developing new connections with people.”
The KPU sports leagues could consider having different levels for beginners and adept players in future sport programs, he adds.
Students can register by filling in the registration form and find specific details about each league on their website.
Drop-in sports are also available this semester, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, and ping-pong.
The drop-ins will only be available during open gym times on a first-come first-serve basis, and a new booking system is in place to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. The front desk accepts bookings 24 hours prior to use. The esports program and virtual fitness classes from Sport & Recreation are also available for students throughout the semester.
