April 12, 2006 Source: :
http://www.wlu.ca/news_update.php?grp_id=28&nws_id=1483&filter_type=update Laurier students repeat as national Kin Games champs A group of Kinesiology and Physical Education students have won the annual Kin Games for the second year in a row, while also exhibiting typical Laurier enthusiasm and adding the Spirit Award to their title. The Kin Games are an event that started at the University of Windsor with other local universities taking part. Designed to test Kinesiology and Physical Education students’ physical skill and ability to cooperate and work in teams, they became such a big hit that students from further away began calling, asking if they could join in. Now, the completely student-run games are held each March at a different university and feature teams from across Canada. The games feature a wide variety of sports, including: soccer, volleyball, European handball, ultimate Frisbee, ball hockey, inner-tube water polo, flag football and dodgeball. Three points are awarded for a win, and one point for a tie. This year, Laurier won three of the eight games and came in second place for two others. An academic session is also included, testing teams on aspects such as anatomy and physiology. Teams are awarded points for every question they answer correctly. This year, Laurier placed second overall in the academic division. "This win shows the cohesiveness and enthusiasm of our Kin and PE students," says Peter Tiidus, a professor and chair of the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department. "There is a feeling of community within the department. Everyone here knows everyone else – we’re part of the same unit. We have a very strong team going into the games." Jenn Mezei and Dave Munroe are both fourth-year Kinesiology students and were this year’s Kin Games co-captains. They explain how almost half of all Laurier’s approximately 600 Kin and PE students applied for the games. "Interested team members must fill out applications," says Mezei. "One huge thing we look for is school spirit and interest in kin-related activities. Throughout the year we have other kinesiology-related events, so participating in such events really help a candidate. "Not only that, but athletic ability is also a determining factor, and there is also a section of the games where academics come into play so we need candidates who exhibit a solid Kin GPA to represent us for those activities." Since the Kin Games are held all across Canada, Mezei and Munroe explain how they need to fundraise for flights and accommodations. "On the applications, we also ask a question about fundraising ideas," says Mezei. "It gives people a chance to demonstrate their creativity and willingness to help the team should they be chosen." Science STEP, a program that all science students voted to support by taking a levy off their tuition to help buy lab equipment, bring in guest speakers, and fund fourth-year research, also helps to sponsor the interuniversity Kin Games. Contributions were also made by Laurier president Robert Rosehart and AVP: student services and dean of students, David McMurray. "Our winning formula comes down to our dedication and our spirit," says Mezei. "We not only had a full team, but we had students come out just to cheer us on." "It is part of an understanding here," says Tiidus, "if you’re a Kin student, you go to the Kin Games." "Our Kin program is tough to get in to," he adds. "It really draws a certain type of individual who wants to do more than just go to class and go home. The Kin Games speak to the organizational abilities and enthusiasm of the students, we can see that we are truly building the leaders of tomorrow." For more information, visit the Kinesiology website. Mallory O'Brien
Public Affairs
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