Heracles Festival at the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education

Photo: Dinija Paula Niedra and RSU archive

On 17 September 2024, 1st year students of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) participated in the traditional Heracles Festival.

To kick off the academic year at RSU LASE with sportsman-like spirit, first-year students gathered for the traditional Heracles Festival on 17 September. This event not only symbolises the new students' entrance into academic life, but also introduces them to the sports and academic traditions at RSU LASE.

The event was organised by the RSU LASE Student Union in collaboration with students from the Recreation programme and Assoc. Prof. Ingrīda Smukā, who leads the Recreation Specialist programme. Inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, the participants took part in various mental and physical challenges that promoted team spirit and cooperation among the students.

The highlight of the Heracles Festival was the solemn consecration of the 1st year students, symbolising their official admission to the RSU LASE student family. The new students took a solemn oath to Heracles, pledging to take joy in learning, to actively participate in sports activities, and to honour the traditions of the Academy.

The aim of the event is to give new students a sense of belonging to the academic environment and the RSU LASE community, while at the same time introducing them to the Academy’s traditions.

Valts Freibergs, a  master's student at RSU LASE played the role of Heracles, assisted by 4th-year students Adrija Alondere and Evelīna Zelča.