Central Queensland University students will take on the best university athletes in Australia when they travel to Newcastle to compete in the Australian University Games, being held from September 28 - October 3.

Hosted by the University of Newcastle, this year's Australian University Games will attract more than 4000 student athletes from more than 40 universities throughout the country.

CQU is sending a squad to compete in athletics, swimming, and squash.

Belinda Chapman from Sydney will compete in the 100m and 200m track events and will hope to improve on last year's games when she competes in Newcastle.

The Men's Squash team will compete at its first games with the team consisting of Rockhampton players Michael Beck, Tony Bernabei, Jason Kelly, Kevin Kidd and Jason Lindsay.

CQU's best chance for a medal will come in swimming, as Josh Berghuis of Bundaberg will be looking to better his 4th place in the 100m Butterfly event from last year.

CQU Student Association Sports, Clubs, and Events Coordinator, Brad Reid, said the students were looking forward to a enjoyable University Games in 2003. "The Games are renowned for providing a friendly but competitive environment for Australia's university sporting elite.

"I am sure that the CQU students will have a great time - both on and off the field," Reid said.

University of Sydney will be attempting to become the overall champion for the fifth consecutive games.

Details via: Rebecca Hansen, Sports, Clubs and Events Officer, CQU Student Association Ph: 4930 9114.