Performance sport refers to sport at the highest level of competition or elite sport where the emphasis is on winning competitions and medals. Performance sports activities at the UFS are those sport activities that are recognised by the Council of University Sports South Africa (USSA), and for which already established club structures exist in accordance with the KovsieSport Policy.

KovsieSport purposefully upholds and passionately creates opportunities to participate and develops high-performance student-athletes to excel in performance sports events at tertiary (including campus events), regional, national, and global levels.

Project Empower is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high-performance student-athletes at our university. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we aim to address the unique challenges they face in academics and athletics. Our initiative focuses on four key pillars: Psychological Support, High Performance, Academic Success, and Fostering Community. Through tailored workshops, counselling, and resources, Project Empower helps student-athletes thrive both on and off the field, preparing them for success in their future endeavours.

Competitive sport activities at the UFS are those sports activities recognised by the Council of University Sports South Africa (USSA), and for which already established club structures exist in accordance with the KovsieSport Policy.

KovsieSport purposefully provides and develops student-athletes to participate in competitive sports programmes at campus, tertiary, regional, and national levels. Competitive sport refers to sport where the emphasis is on winning competitions.

Non-traditional sports are those sport activities that are not yet recognised by the Council of University Sports South Africa (USSA). The sole purpose of non-traditional sports is mass participation, and the emphasis of the participants is focused on enjoyment and not on winning. Competitions are often set up for non-traditional sports and people frequently participate in the activities just for the fun of it without doing anything to gain points or to win the competition.

On the Qwaqwa Campus, sports play an essential role in student life, offering both recreational and competitive opportunities. Students actively participate in sports such as basketball, netball, and volleyball, with a strong emphasis on community and fitness. While the primary focus is recreational, these activities also foster teamwork, discipline, and a sense of camaraderie among participants. The campus continually encourages student involvement in these sports, promoting a healthy balance between academics and physical activity.