NEWS On 16 September, the autumn edition of Health on Campus was held for students and staff at Umeå University and SLU Umeå. The programme featured nearly 70 activities and nine lectures focusing on physical activity and health.
Hiking in Tavelsjö with IKSU Frilufts.
Image IKSU Frilufts
Health on campus offered seven different types of dance.
Image Elsa Bjurman
Arm wrestling in the Lindell Hall.
Image Elsa Bjurman
University Golf Championship in Bjurholm.
Duathlon/triathlon at Campus Arena.
Image Tomas Seco Lopez
Tabel tennis in the Lindell Hall.
Image Elsa Burman
Let´s fire up some food at Campus Meadows.
Image Elsa Burman
Aikido together with instructors from Isshinkai Aikido Club.
Image Isshinkai Aikido Club
Disc golf at Campus Meadows.
Image Magnus Ferry
Hiking in Tavelsjö with IKSU Frilufts.
Health on campus offered seven different types of dance.
Arm wrestling in the Lindell Hall.
University Golf Championship in Bjurholm.
Duathlon/triathlon at Campus Arena.
Tabel tennis in the Lindell Hall.
Let´s fire up some food at Campus Meadows.
Aikido together with instructors from Isshinkai Aikido Club.
Disc golf at Campus Meadows.
Around 3,000 students and staff are estimated to have taken part in the day's activities and lectures. However, not all parts of the extensive programme could go ahead as planned.
“Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, and some activities had to be cancelled for safety reasons, including mountain biking and outdoor climbing. A few other activities were cancelled in the morning due to illness, but despite this, we were able to offer a very broad programme throughout the day,” says Tove Mårs, project coordinator for Health on Campus.
At Aula Nordica, Carl-Johan Boraxbekk gave a lecture on how physical activity can affect the brain's plasticity and our ability to learn throughout life. Danijela Rundqvist shared experiences from her ice hockey career and spoke about topics including goal setting, mental strength and performing under pressure. SLU also offered an outdoor lecture in which Victor Göransson spoke about how urban forests can contribute to health, recreation and well-being.
The wide range was also reflected in the activities on offer. Participants could try seven different types of dance, billiards, choir singing, high ropes courses, golf, ceramics, air rifle shooting, cooking, martial arts, padel, hiking, woodcraft and badminton.
Several associations and local organisations return to Health on Campus year after year and contribute activities to the programme. Some of them report that participants have also gone on to join their regular activities.
“We have heard that several of the associations taking part in Health on Campus gained new members following the event, including Umeå Biljardklubb, Grotteatern and Umeå Bordtennisklubb. That is really encouraging and shows that Health on Campus can also provide a pathway to continued activity,” says Pernilla Eriksson, project manager for Health on Campus.
Planning has already begun for the next Health on Campus, which will take place on 24 February.
“We welcome suggestions for new activities and lectures. Save the date, 24 February, and we hope to see you again,” says Tove Mårs.
