The four day event is managed by the Australian University of Sport as a way of promoting participation in university sporting teams.

This year the event has attracted competitors from 14 universities across the state.

The students will be participating in ten sports as they vie for the title of East Region Overall Champion University, the Ann Mitchell Trophy and the Ben Tjen/Shane Alvisio Trophy.

Project Co-ordinator Catherine Pacholke is anticipating a great event with about 800 individual games to be played out during the course of the competition.

Locals will be able to catch the action at a number of venues around town.

Three sports, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and rugby, will be played on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) campus while basketball games will take place at the Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium, netball and tennis at the Durham Street complex and hockey games at the Kel Cooke Hockey Complex.

Touch football will be played at Learmonth Park and soccer at Proctor Park while the lawn bowls competition will take place at Panthers.

Ms Pacholke said the event is hosted by a different university each year to spread the

economic boost, that comes with the event, around.

This year CSU will be fielding the largest university team with 299 competitors.

“The wonderful support shown by CSU will ensure the games are a great success,” Ms Pacholke said.

“It’s all coming together nicely, although it does start out as a logistical nightmare.

“I hope everyone has a wonderful experience.”

The opening ceremony for the Eastern University Games was held last night at

the UniBar. Speakers included Mayor Paul

Toole, Dr Parikshi Basu of Charles Sturt University, Daniel Tackenberg National Funding Manager Australian University of Sport and

former CSU rugby player Charlie Croucher.