CityU stresses physical and spiritual health of staff, students
City University of Hong Kong (CityU) organises a major health campaign each year to encourage staff and students to take more exercise and lead a more balanced, stress-free lifestyle.
The theme for Wellness March, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, is “Care for nature, environment and healthy life”.
At the opening ceremony on 18 February, Professor Way Kuo, University President, said the campaign has been held every year since it was founded because CityU is committed to encouraging staff and students to take part in more sports and recreational activities to help foster a healthy body and mind.
“Wellness March exemplifies the University’s philosophy of whole-person education,” Professor Kuo said. “It shows that we not only care about the dissemination of knowledge and the exploration of the unknown, we also strive to promote physical and mental health. We hope all staff and students can enjoy a rich and healthy life.”
One of the major activities for Wellness March is running the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. The race helps CityU members strengthen their physical fitness and boost team spirit. At the opening ceremony, Professor Kuo presented a flag to the CityU marathon team and wished them every success in the forthcoming race. Mrs Dorothy Davies, Associate Director of Student Development Services, said the CityU team had attracted over 760 runners.
Senior management and guests attending the opening ceremony included Professor Arthur Ellis, Provost, Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Vice-President (Student Affairs), Dr Cheung Chor-yung, Dean of Students, Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations), Mr Joseph Chan Kai-nin, Director of Student Development Services, and Dr Rebecca Lee Lok-sze, Founder of the Polar Museum Foundation.
Mr Roy Ngai Hoi-yee, Senior Physical Education Officer of Student Development Services and the founder of Wellness March, thanked senior management and other colleagues, saying their support had made the campaign a popular event. He hoped all CityU members take the opportunity to participate in more recreational activities and develop the habit of doing exercise for their physical and mental well-being.
A variety of activities will be held during the two-month Wellness March. There will be a series of lectures on environmental protection and fitness, marathon running and many other sports activities, workshops and outdoor pursuits. During these two months, staff and students can use the campus sports facilities for free. The Exercise Plus Award Scheme introduced by the University several years ago will further encourage the CityU community to get involved in sporting activities.