Sport and academia given equal billing

Monday, 21 May 2007

Can brawn and brain co-exist? The University of Adelaide thinks so and will state its case at a public talk in the Barr Smith Library this Wednesday 23 May at 1pm.

The talk - "Does Sport Have a Place in the University?" - will accompany the exhibition Blacks & Blues: Sporting Tradition at the University of Adelaide, which has been launched to coincide with SA History Week 2007 from 18-27 May.

A panel of speakers will present the argument that sport and academia are both an essential part of the University's culture and history, and educational institutions can have strong sporting traditions without losing their intellectual integrity.

The library session is one of several events being organised by the University of Adelaide as part of SA History Week.

Sports Association President Andres Munoz-Lamilla, one of the panel members, says it is the "moral obligation" of universities to offer its members physical education.

"In today's economically-driven world, it is important to be reminded that life is not all about money and profits. Tradition, pride and passion come into it as well and sport has been part of the University of Adelaide experience since 1876."

Other events on offer during SA History Week include an exhibition of early 20th century botanical charts and models used in the University's teaching. These will be exhibited in the Barr Smith Library foyer until 28 May.

Free tours of the University's many heritage-listed buildings will also be offered throughout this week, on Tuesday (10.30am), Thursday (2pm) and Sunday (2pm), starting from the Mitchell Building, North Terrace.

"These buildings demonstrate the venerable age of the University and include some inspired architectural projects," says Mirna Heruc, the University's Art and Heritage Manager.

For more information about the tours, talk and exhibitions, please email art.heritage@adelaide.edu.au or call Anna Gardner on (08) 8303 3086.

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