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Keeping Monash healthy

27 July 2005

Monash's 2005 Community Fitness Events Program is officially under way following last week's launch by vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins.

Members of the Monash Sport team competing in the 2005 Mother's Day Classic -- a community event also supported by Monash.

Monash Sport general manager Mr Martin Doulton said the program was part of the university's commitment to providing opportunities for the Monash community to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

"We hope the program will raise awareness of the opportunity for Monash staff, students and alumni to participate in a range of community fitness events," Mr Doulton said.

"Monash Sport will again be coordinating the university's participation in the Around the Bay in a Day cycling event, the Melbourne Marathon and the Portsea Swim Classic.

"We're very excited to announce we will also be entering a team in an international event for the first time -- the Singapore Marathon, to be held on 4 December."

Mr Doulton said more than 650 Monash walkers, runners, cyclists and volunteers had taken part in community fitness events around Melbourne in the past 12 months, raising money for charity.

"The events not only promote a fit and active lifestyle, they also allow participants and their families to become more involved in the Monash community and meet new people," he said.

"For 2005, we want as many people to participate as possible and to realise they don't necessarily have to run the entire marathon or cycle all the way around Port Phillip Bay.

"There are a variety of options available at all events to suit everyone's fitness levels. For those who aren't up for running, cycling or swimming, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer and support our participants," Mr Doulton said.

Professor Larkins said he was pleased to be involved in such a positive initiative.

"We all know how important it is to be active and involved in sport, not only for our physical health but also for our mental health," he said.

"It's important we have a healthy work/rest/play balance, and a program like this gives us the extra motivation we often need."

Further information is available at the Monash Sport website.