On August 3, 2024, the Medical & Dental Services, in collaboration with the Human Resource & Development Office (HRDO), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and the Sports Development Office (SDO), officially kicked off Sports Week with a fun-filled first ever Fun Run and Zumba session for employees with special participation from students in the Bachelor of Physical Education from the College of Teacher Education. The event was designed to challenge and remind the university community of the importance of regular exercise in maintaining a healthy body and mind.
The activity began bright and early at 5:00 AM, with participating faculty, staff, and students gathering for a 3 km Fun-Walk-Run session starting from the University Campus gate 1, heading along Governor Pack Road towards the turning point at Military Cut-Off via Kennon Road then retracing back to UC Gate 1 through Governor Center Road to complete the loop. It was followed by a lively Zumba session at the UC Gymnasium, led by the Center for Creative Production (CCP) trainers and students, which kept the energy levels high and encouraged everyone to participate, regardless of their fitness levels.
As the event wrapped up, medals and fruit baskets were awarded to the top three finishers of the Fun-Walk-Run event in both the male and female categories. The first three male finishers were Jerry C. Bananal, Leo Patrick E. Niñalga, and Arce Keean C. Luzano, while Clarie Gallardo, Kathleen P. Bangtowan, and Maricel E. Ulatan led the female category, respectively. Meanwhile, Arce Keean C. Luzano and Mary Glo D. Ringor were also given tokens for their impressive moves and were crowned as the Zumba King and Queen.
On the other hand, the Man-ayam tako UC! sports week, held during the second and third weeks of August at the UC Gymnasium, started with fun and friendly games of table tennis and badminton. Faculty, staff, auxiliary workers, and student assistants eagerly participated, showing their skills while enjoying some quality time together. After the racket games, a lively volleyball match followed, with teams displaying great teamwork and energy. The week concluded with an exciting men’s basketball game, which drew enthusiasm and competitive spirit from both players and spectators.
Furthermore, these events extend beyond just promoting physical fitness, it had shown how small and regular movements throughout the day such as walking, running, dancing, or exercising can help maintain good mental well-being by boosting mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping build social connections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several cancers. It also helps prevent hypertension, maintains healthy body weight, and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.”
In conclusion, the series of events and sports fest proved that movement, in any form, can lead to healthier minds and bodies and bring people together in the process. The event reflected the university’s commitment to creating a healthy community and an environment that nurtures both physical and mental well-being.
