University Sport SA (USSA) President, Jerry Laka, says the hosts have provided a welcoming environment, allowing athletes to quickly adjust as the competition gets underway today.

The SA delegation arrived in groups over the weekend, hoping to better their performance from the last edition of the Games in Chengdu, China, where the team secured 20 medals.

Laka, speaking from Essen, one of the host cities, praised the smooth travel arrangements and the positive start to preparations. “We travelled very well with the different groups that have arrived in Germany. The General Delegation Manager did an excellent job in ensuring the team’s travel went smoothly,” he said. “Our fencing, basketball, and tennis teams all arrived safely and are settling in nicely. Right now, I’m at fencing practice, and earlier I was at the tennis courts. The student athletes are focused and getting themselves ready for the competition ahead.”

The SA squad will be competing across several sporting codes, with hopes high for an improved medal tally at this year’s Games.

--ChannelAfrica--