UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dody Ariawan, S.T, M.T, Ph.D., officially opened the Semar Livoma 2024 (Sebelas Maret Volleyball League for University Students) in a ceremony attended by all competing teams. In his remarks, Prof. Dody encouraged athletes and referees to uphold the values of friendship, solidarity, and fair play throughout the tournament.
“Welcome to all participants, team officials, and referees. Embrace the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play,” he remarked.
The opening event on Monday night (4/11/2024) at UNS Sports Hall began with a parade of teams from 27 universities followed by an audience-packed ceremony attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Sports (FKOR), Prof. Dr. Sapta Kunta Purnama, M.Pd., and other faculty members, along with the Director and Deputy Director of Student Affairs, sponsors, and guests. A musical performance also enlivened the ceremony enjoyed by the participating teams.
According to Dr. Deddy Whinata Kardiyanto, S.Or., M.Pd., Advisor of the UNS Volleyball Student Activity Unit (UKM), this year’s competition includes 27 men’s and 18 women’s teams, competing for the prestigious rotating trophy from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), as well as the permanent UNS Rector’s trophy. The tournament will run for six days, concluding on Saturday (9/11/2024). This year marks the sixth edition of Semar Livoma since its inception in 2019.
“This year’s Livoma has set a new record for team participation, surpassing last year’s 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams,” Dr. Deddy noted.
The competition for the rotating trophy has become a distinguished goal for university students. In 2023, the Men’s Team from Universitas Mitra Karya Bekasi claimed the title and took home the trophy, while the Women’s Team from the State Islamic University (UIN) Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung (SATU) emerged as champions.
Semar Livoma UNS also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which promotes health and well-being, as sports and physical activity reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the inclusion of a women’s category in the competition supports SDG 5, Gender Equality, providing an equitable platform for women in sports. Humas UNS
