TRU ALUMNI
WATCH PARTIES

Catch Olympics watch parties at Thompson Rivers University

Jul 30, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — TRU Alumni is hosting watch parties on campus at Thompson Rivers University during the Olympic Summer Games in Paris.

When the Canadian women’s rugby team qualified for the gold medal match on Tuesday (July 30) morning, a watch party was called for the final a few hours later against New Zealand.

“It’s going to be a nailbiter I think,” Erin Jensen, TRU Alumni manager of international marketing and operations, said before kickoff. “It’s going to be a one-point game on either side.”

The watch parties take place inside the TRU Alumni Theatre in the Clock Tower building.

“The Olympics are only every four years,” said Mei Lin Cheung, alumni relations co-ordinator for TRU. “It’s a great opportunity for us to support all the amazing athletes, coaches, support staff and referees that came through TRU.”

Chris Chan of the Kamloops Rugby Club was among the crowd, along with his two daughters.

“Having two girls, it’s very important to me that they witness their attributes and their contribution to the sport and to our nation,” Chan said.

Search for TRU Alumni on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find the watch party schedule.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to take a little bit of time out of their day in kind of the slow season at the university to come and support our alumni that are coaching, reffing and also playing in the Olympics, but also to cheer on our Canadian Olympic teams,” said Jordyn Gronskei, marketing and events assistant for TRU Alumni.

Canada led at halftime, but New Zealand stormed back in the second half to claim gold with a 19-12 victory.

“I still feel proud and patriotic,” Jensen said. “They put it all on the line. The girls have worked hard and they deserve the silver for sure.”