The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China, comes under the sporting spotlight this month, with the third Tri-Campus Games (TCG).

“This unique opportunity allows students to explore an inspiring country and culture, build life-long contacts from across the globe and play sport at an elite level. But it is also a fantastic opportunity to raise our profile, build links with other universities and attract new students.”

Assistant Director of Sport and TCG organiser Nigel Maygothling is passionate about for the Games. And it’s easy to see why – 180 Nottingham athletes studying in three countries will compete in 14 events covering eight sports over a week. It’s the only international intra mural university games in the world.

And for the first time this year, Games organisers aim to select All-Star Teams, made up from athletes studying in England, Malaysia and China, to compete against local universities.

“This whole concept started as an almost throw-away comment in a meeting about globalisation and integration, but sport can open doors and I see the Games as a vehicle for true internationalisation,” says Nigel.

“Ningbo will give us the opportunity to enhance the student experience, to get more people interested and involved in sport and, through the TCGs, create an international network of past and present students….
it showcases what Nottingham is capable of.”

Anna Mawston, a Biosciences student and the UK’s Assistant Team Manager, says taking part in last year’s Games – in Malaysia – is one of the greatest experiences she’s had at the University.

She said: “They really do give students a once-in-a lifetime chance to visit countries that they may never get the chance to visit again, experience life as a Ningbo student and explore a new culture and cuisine.

“I am interested to see what the Ningbo Campus is like compared to the UK and Malaysia. I expect the standard to have improved from last year and the matches to continue to become more competitive, there should be a lot of Chinese home supporters this year, which will also add to the atmosphere.”

The third Tri-Campus Games kick off on Sunday 5 June and run throughout the week.