I am pleased to share the remarkable achievements of our athletes and coaching staff over the past six months. At the University of Pretoria, sporting excellence isn't just a goal; it's ingrained in our DNA, and it shines through in every victory, on every field, track, and court.

From the triumphs of our student-athletes to the dedication of our coaches, TuksSport has continued to be a powerhouse not only locally and nationally but also across the African continent. Recently, we've witnessed outstanding performances across more than 30 sporting codes, showcasing the depth of talent and the strength of our sports culture.

We've seen our athletes shine bright on the national and international stage, from claiming gold in cricket, rowing, athletics and football at University Sport SA (USSA) national tournaments to securing Olympic qualifications in swimming, rowing and athletics. And let's not overlook TuksCricket's unprecedented five wins in five competitions—a truly phenomenal achievement unmatched anywhere in the country.

TuksSwimming has continued to excel, with our junior programmes dominating national competitions and our elite swimmers making waves on the international scene. Meanwhile, TuksFootball has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Our men's professional football team, AmaTuks, finished in a highly respectable second position in the National First Division for the 2023/2024 season. This achievement has qualified them for the playoffs for the PSL 2024/2025 season.

In netball, our success over the past decade has been recognised with the appointment of our Head Coach to lead the Spar Protea's National Team—an honour that speaks volumes about the impact of our netball programme.

Even in the face of challenges, like TuksRugby's journey back to the Varsity Cup competition after winning all their games in the Varsity Shield competition, our teams have shown resilience, determination and unwavering support from the UP community.

But let's not forget that these victories aren't solely the result of individual efforts. The success we've achieved is the result of a unified effort from every part of our institution. Whether it's the dedication of our sport science and medical professionals, the hard work of club managers and administrators, the invaluable contributions of volunteers, or the strong support from our academics, including Heads of Departments and Deans—each individual plays an indispensable role in our journey to success.

At UP, we believe in the power of sport to shape not only athletes but also leaders and ambassadors for our institution. Through our integrated approach to sports management and the firm support from the High-Performance Centre (hpc), we continue to uphold our commitment to excellence.

As Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Sport isn't just about winning; it's about fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and resilience. And as we celebrate our successes, let us also acknowledge the countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our sporting achievements. 

Your dedication and passion are what make UP truly exceptional.