Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
24 September 2024
|
Story Aimée Barlow
|
Photo Supplied
Louzanne Coetzee, who made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time, received a warm reception when she recently returned home.
The celebrated Paralympic bronze medallist Louzanne Coetzee returned home to a warm welcome at the Bram Fischer International Airport on 10 September 2024.
Family, friends, colleagues, Arista students, and media gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement and show their support.
Coetzee – KovsieSport Coordinator of Parasport at the University of the Free State (UFS) – made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time. Her dedication and hard work have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired many in her community.
Among those present to welcome her was Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, who expressed his pride in Coetzee’s accomplishments.
"We as KovsieSport are so proud of our colleague Coetzee. It is amazing to see a product of KovsieSport achieving greatness on the world stage. She is truly an inspiration to us all," said Laka.
“I am so glad to be back, and to have Laka and my colleagues here. It means the world to me. Having Laka here shows his commitment to my career and ParaSport and his staff in general,” shared Coetzee, her gratitude evident.
She further expressed her appreciation for the support she received, stating, “I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for the support from the UFS community.”
Coetzee’s return is a proud moment for South Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) community. Welcome home, Louzanne! Your achievements have made us all proud!
Remain positive, keep an eye on the finish line
2016-10-28
Photo: iStock
No one is immune to anxiety, and the current challenging academic times are no exception. With the Academic Reboot Pack 2.0, the University of the Free State (UFS) addresses these adversities.
Dealing with anxiety differently
People react to anxiety differently. For some it’s like a dark tunnel with no light at the end, while it keeps others on their toes. Regardless of how you deal with it, it is still an unpleasant emotion.
“For me, it (anxiety) makes me more determined to do well, so that I can start the next part of my life as soon as possible,” said Greg Butters, a postgraduate BCom Accounting student at the UFS.
Ways to manage and overcome
There are different ways to manage anxiety. Here are some methods that can assist you in dealing with it:
Keep the following in mind when you are feeling anxious:
• Realise that anxiety is an amplified response to stress.
• Face your anxiety head-on.
• Do not add to your anxiety by thinking about what "might" happen. If you find yourself asking "What if?" tell yourself "So what!"
Where to get the right help
It is also important to know that there is help. When you feel that anxiety is affecting you negatively, pick up a phone and call one of the following departments:
• Medical Practice: +27 51 401 2603
• Qwaqwa Campus Clinic: +27 58 718 5210
• Sports and Exercise Medicine Clinic: +27 51 401 2530
• First Aid: +27 51 401 3325
• Emergencies (After hours) - ER 24: 0800 051 051 or 084 124
If you feel that you are managing you anxiety, but would like to develop your skills further, please make an appointment with Student Counselling and Development at: HerbstP@ufs.ac.za or phone +27 51 401 2853.
You can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24-hour helpline. SADAG has various helplines that can help you deal with anxiety and depression.
Get your copy of the Academic Reboot Pack 2.0 on Blackboard under announcements or click here to download it.
Also see the first Academic Reboot Pack.
If students have any question or queries regarding the Academic Reboot Pack, they can send an email to: advising@ufs.ac.za.