University: UVSQ invests in sports infrastructure

The UVSQ (Versailles Saint-Quentin University) inaugurated its first rehabilitated sports ground on September 22 in Versailles. The first of three new pieces of equipment.

Sport is part of everyone’s daily life. As the famous Latin saying goes, “a holy spirit in a healthy body”. However, students have many barriers that limit them in the practice of physical activity. In particular problems of timetable, student work, schedule, lack of accessibility to equipment, price.

“The university is not just about learning and research, but also a place to live. And in this place of life, it is normal to do everything to promote success. Sport is one of them”, declares Alain Bui, president of the UVSQ.

To address this last problem, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), has just refurbished its Versailles stadium. Then will come two other sites on the sites of Rambouillet and Vélizy-Villacoublay.

A field designed for practice at UVSQ

The inauguration took place on the track. ©CD78/N.Duprey

The work, which started at the end of 2021, made it possible to refurbish the aging site. This required several phases: earthworks, drainage and remediation of the soil, break of a new synthetic turf covering. In order to multiply practices, a running track has been added on the outskirts of the stadium with a sand reception area. The 60×40 meter stadium will focus on the practice of football, ultimate, archery and athletics.

An investment supported by the Department of Yvelines

Olivier de la Faire, departmental councilor of Versailles came to discover the equipment. ©CD78/N.Duprey

For a total amount of €550,000, the works were funded by the UVSQ, the Department of Yvelines and the CROUS of Versailles. In particular, they benefited from the mobilization of CVEC credits. Two other multi-sports grounds will soon be inaugurated on the Rambouillet (October 4) and Vélizy-Villacoublay (October 18) campuses.

It is necessary to invest in sports equipment. If we want to encourage the practice of sport, we have to invest. We often hear that France is lagging behind in this area. But Paris 2024 and the commitment of local authorities will fill this gap,” concluded Olivier de la Faire, departmental councilor responsible for sports.