gair rhydd Monday March 07 2011 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 945
PHOTOS: Lucy Chippendale
Students Go Global
Ben Price News Editor Go Global, the annual festival of diversity and culture, took place across campus at Cardiff University between February 18-27. A Global Village was set up on the final day of the festival, which was the culmination of the week’s events. This year’s Go Global experienced more events than ever before. There were many stand-out events during the week including, an inter-university Eisteddfod for Welsh students.
Cardiff University was victorious, with Aberystwyth University finishing as runner-up. A total of £9000 was taken behind the bar during the day. Refugee Rhythms also saw a massive attendance in CF10, as did the ‘Malaysian society Festival of Diversity VIII: Rimbun’ (a musical theatre play). There was also a Go Global World Cup that had an exciting final between Andorra and Sweden. Sweden eventually won the competition on sudden death penalties.
Seven hundred and seventy people, who were treated to a variety of foods from 15 different countries, attended the final big event of the week, the Global Village. The event itself was successfully streamed to around 600 people around the world. Societies, Events and Activities Officer, Cosimo Montagu said: “Thanks to everyone who took part and the wonderful people who made it happen, it has been a privilege being involved and working with you all.” Mr. Montagu also wished to thank
the International Office for helping to promote the week’s events. However, he did express the fact that despite a very successful week overall, there is still a little way to go in terms of promoting cross-cultural attendance across Go Global’s events. The main aims of Go Global week are to allow international students to showcase their culture and put on events they would usually enjoy in their home countries. It also aims to encourage a truly international spirit at Cardiff University through-
out the week to make people broaden their horizons. Certain events during the week attracted some amazing crowds, however it was felt that other events could have done with a better attendance. Mr Montagu stressed the need for bigger audiences at some events in future Go Global weeks, in order to reflect what the actual event is truly about. He feels that there is still a way to go in terms of fostering a truly international atmosphere during the week.