"Lloret is a very busy resort in high season with holidaymakers from all over Europe. However, the buzz created by SportsParty at Easter brings a whole new carnival atmosphere to the town ~ the bars, clubs, shops and restaurants filled with British students. The “Spring-Breakers” from America would love this ~ and who needs Florida when you have the Costa Brava on your doorstep! The Germans, Portuguese and Italians…all of whom make annual pilgrimages to Lloret de mar too at different times, just never quite create the same impression as the SportsParty students. It’s the spirit; the colour; the fancy-dress; the songs; and the laughter. That and the drink of course…but there’s no hint of trouble…just a lot of good-natured banter; singing, sex and fun."

Don’t forget your "wristband"! Everyone headed straight to Moby’s! We had taken over the whole of the Tropics nightclub/Moby’s bar complex to create an all in one SportsParty super venue, big enough to welcome the 3,000 SportsParty students that had descended on Lloret. There was a fantastic atmosphere ~ energy, chemistry and passion. The brilliant “all-inclusive party night” meant that the opening night was better than ever.

The sports programme on Wednesday and Thursday was taken as seriously as could have been expected and the turn out on the first day was excellent, even if the weather was not! All the tournaments were played out at excellent sports facilities. Some of the teams were really lucky to be based just a stroll from the hotel with the women’s football, netball and beach volleyball tournaments being played in Lloret de mar itself. The “new generation” artificial football pitch in Lloret proved a massive bonus. Lloret de Mar has now been named a “vila esportiva” (sports town) and we have been told that there will be even more improvements to follow in the coming years.

The other teams had to hop on a coach again with the men’s football, men’s rugby and women’s rugby all taking place at the excellent sports complex we feature in Girona and basketball in the nearby town of Blanes. The splendid Athletic Terrassa club again hosted the hockey events, culminating in some first class competition and finals!

The main Award ceremony in Tropics saw presentations to the tournament winners with Liverpool John Moores University scooping the Overall SportsParty Champions trophy and Portsmouth University claiming the Social Champions award. There were also winners this year from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University, MMU Cheshire, Newcastle University, Sunderland University, University of West of England, Southampton University, Leeds Metropolitan University and York St. John College . They all had plenty to celebrate as there were “free places” for SportsParty 2008 as prizes for the winning teams. But everyone participated and we’re sure that 3,000 happy students have some fantastic memories and stories of their own! Let’s face it, everyone’s a winner at SportsParty...

The weather wasn’t as kind as in previous years, but no matter how much it rained it couldn’t dampen the spirits of the students! We were blessed with some sunny periods towards the end of the week, so a few students managed to head home with red faces due to the sunshine rather than embarrassment (we think).

For those who took the organised trip into Barcelona there was plenty to see and do. Most would agree that the incredible Nou Camp stadium is a must for any first time visitor to the city, but plenty of others just made for the bars and ambience along the famous tree lined avenue called “Las Ramblas”. Nursing a hangover in the resort, there was plenty of time to prepare for the last night on the town for those who had opted for a relaxing day in the resort.

In typical Spanish style everyone left it late to head out on the final night. This was a chance for a last visit to the favourite bars. “Surf” was really popular again this year and a great addition to the irresistible attractions of the “Queen Vic” and “Texas”. Mobys and Tropics were better than ever before as the British DJs brought in by the SportsParty team proved a real hit throughout the festival.

By Saturday morning all the reps who still hadn’t had more than a few hours sleep during the week, were up and about early ensuring a smooth check-out for all students. The team of reps did a brilliant job all week and many of them confirmed they would be back for more again next year. Ditto the students. For those ready to get on the coach there had been the sleepy feeling that it would have been better to book a flight home!!

We hope everyone enjoyed the party, as we say it’s “the time of your life” and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2008!!

“One of the most amazing, well organized, sports students get togethers that I have ever had the pleasure of attending”. Sam Inman, Liverpool John Moores.