Varsity Games Village by night

The campus transforms to a giant amusement centre at nightfall with people wining and dining.

The varsity games is not only an opportunity for sports competition but also for amusement and blending of cultures. Upon nightfall, the noise of fan clubs and competing athletes gives way to the sound of music and the smell of roasted chicken, fish and meat fill the air as revelers throng the games village in search of amusement.

At this time, the exhibition shed are closed and only those dealing in drinks or food are left open. Every evening there is life musical presentation by a mobile telephone company which is the official sponsor of the event, coupled by raffle draws.

There are also two giant screens which rebroadcast the competitions of the day as people wine and dine to their fill. Upon arriving at the games village, one is welcomed by waiters who scramble to usher the customer to their business shed. All culinary aspects of the Cameroonian gastronomy are on display; ndole, pepper soup, eru, roasted fish, chicken and pork.

There are also makeshift off licenses and night clubs blasting music at very high volumes that conversation is virtually impossible except by shouting at the top of the voice.

A bottle of beer which normally would cost FCFA 600 is sold at 800 and a roasted chicken or fish which would cost FCFA5000 in the quarters, is sold at FCFA1000 yet the customers come in floods. More, so the price may vary depending on whether one is accompanied by a girl or not.

However the predominant activity is heavy drinking as followers of Bacchus occupy every available drinking spot to capacity. Lovers also use the opportunity to strengthen their bonds while adventurers go seeking for partners.

A few agents of some companies still go around the village proposing their services at a reduced price. “I came here out of curiosity just to see what was going on but ended up being carried away by the good mood here,’ said Cynthia, a reveler.

Meanwhile the boyfriend, Tienshu Ignatius says he had been there before and found the games village very interesting and decided to give his girl friend a treat on campus so as to change airs. Meanwhile Elvis Asonganyi said he merely came to watch the musical show since he was bored at home and the concert was free.

Matty Mabu, a stand owner at the games village, says business is doing well despite the fact that he started operating late. He says the high the hike in the price of beer is due to the high cost of the sheds as their try to break even. Those who could not afford for a shed, operate in the open air, at times sitting on empty crates or any hard object just to consume beer.

There are also games of luck, bazaars and other sorts of distraction like rolling on skate boards, taking part in dancing competitions. The unlighted parts of the games village serves as lovers park as people are fond in pairs discussing or fondling with each other which recalls the warning of the Minister of Higher Education, Fame Ndongo, on the opening ceremony when he urged the students to practice safe sex. The merry making goes on until after midnight only to recommence the next day at dusk.