Lives of four students to be celebrated at memorial game
The lives of four students will be celebrated at a memorial basketball game on Saturday.
The event will commemorate Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol, TJ Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Makyle Bayley, who died on February 1.
DJ and TJ were much-loved members of our Essex Rebels D1 Men’s basketball team.
Eva was an active member of the Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in many other clubs and societies.
Makyle was a talented basketball player who was a member of our BUCS basketball team.
To celebrate their lives and legacies the Rebels basketball teams will play across two games on Saturday (February 15).
Before every tip-off a 24 second applause, the length of a basketball shot clock, will ring out across the Essex Sport Arena.
The main tribute will take place during the half-time of the men’s game.
Doors open at 4pm and the tip-off times are:
•SLB Women vs Manchester – Tip-off at 5 PM
•NBL Division 1 Men vs Newcastle Knights – Tip-off at 7.30 PM
There is no dress code, and the University of Essex and Rebels urge the community to join us for this poignant event.
The University of Essex can now also confirm our Rebels teams have decided to continue their seasons to honour the lives of their teammates.
A club spokesperson said:
The past week has been incredibly difficult for everyone in the Essex Rebels family. Our priority has been the wellbeing of our players, staff, and those most affected by the tragic loss of DJ, TJ, Eva, and Makyle. As a club, we have been fully supportive of our players, and the decision on whether to continue the season was theirs to make. After deep reflection, they have chosen to play on in honour of their teammates. We will do everything in our power to honour their legacies and make them proud. The remainder of this season is for them.
The game comes after a private memorial event held for students and the University community last Friday.
This game was originally scheduled as Jersey Night – tickets purchased for this game are valid.
Tickets can be purchased on the Essex Rebels Fanbase.
For more information, contact the University of Essex Communications Office via [email protected]
