BEIJING, China – With a quarterfinal match looming against defending World Elite University Football Tournament (WEUFT) champion, Renmin University of China, the UBC Thunderbirds took good advantage of their off day on Tuesday. Along with the tournament's other participating teams, the 'Birds boarded a bus and took in one of he greatest sights the Far East, and the world for that matter, has to offer.
The Thunderbirds did the long, steep trek up the Great Wall of China and for the young Canadian student-athletes, it quickly became a lifetime memory.
"It was a great experience seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World," said UBC striker
Kerman Pannu. "It's something we will remember for the rest of our lives."
"I've done a lot of hikes in my life, but never such a steep incline in 35 degree weather. That was quite the experience, " said fullback
Darren Rulofs.
A massive hike is hot, humid conditions is not an ideal pre-match warm-up, but UBC Head Coach
Mike Mosher knows it's all part and parcel of the incredible experiences his team is gathering while participating in the WEUFT.
"It's a cool experience with all the foreign teams in the tournament climbing the wall together," explained Mosher. "With my 'coach hat' on it wasn't the best activity to maybe be doing before a quarterfinal as it is quite the workout, similar to the Grouse Grind, very steep in spots. But these are the things you do and it's something these guys will remember forever."
UBC's quarterfinal match versus Remnin University of China goes at 9 PM on Tuesday, June 27.
You can watch the live stream of the game here.
