Boat to Beijing Activity Challenge huge success at Malaspina

Back and forth to Beijing five times by sea – that’s how far Malaspina University-College staff, students and community members travelled during the ‘Boat to Beijing’ activity challenge.

“We logged a grand total of 42,033 kilometres,” said Tina McComb, Coordinator of Fitness and Intramurals at Malaspina. 

The Boat to Beijing Activity Challenge was the brainchild of Malaspina’s Campus Recreation department, which is always looking for creative ways to promote health and wellness.

“In the spirit of the summer Olympic games being held in Beijing, we held the Activity Challenge to encourage individuals to log kilometre equivalencies for physical activity,” explained McComb. “Anyone could participate with any kind of physical activity taking place on or off campus, including running, swimming, walking, basketball, etc.”

About 175 staff, students and community members took part. The top three students were Mark Billey (Liberal Studies) – 3,970 km; Doug Merrick (Science) – 3,578 km; Gary Cheung (Sport Health and Physical Education) – 3,270 km. Top staff participants were Dennis Silvestrone (Dean, Adult and Continuing Education) – 887 km; Kyla Morgan (Administrative Coordinator, Vice-President, Academic) – 815 km; and Nahanni Ackroyd (Program coordinator, Centre for Continuing Studies) – 555 km.

As an incentive, all participants were entered into a random draw. Prizes included T-shirts, an iPod Shuffle, Nike shoes, a Timex Watch and a plasma TV  sponsored by Madmen McKay.

Meanwhile, McComb invites community members to check out Malaspina’s Campus Rec department which fosters health and wellness. 

The general public can book the Malaspina gymnasium, access fitness facilities including the squash and racquetball court, and book fitness assessments which include program development, nutritional services and personal training.

Campus Rec also offers outdoor recreation programs and fitness programs which are available to community members if space is available.

This summer, Malaspina and the City of Nanaimo will offer community members an intramural program. It’s five-on-five basketball and participants can register by going to the City’s Parks and Recreation website at www.nanaimo.ca/residence.

For more information about Malaspina’s Campus Rec department or access to facilities, call the Malaspina gym office at (250) 740-6418 or visit the website at viu.ca/campusrec.