Lots of one-off sporting events arranged throughout term

Be Active Be Inspired campaign launched

A new University campaign has launched encouraging students to increase their level of physical activity whilst having fun at the same time.

Last year, 67% of Exeter students took part in some kind of regular physical activity. This year however, the University hopes to achieve a 70% participation rate with the introduction of the Be Active Be Inspired campaign.

The campaign was launched in late 2016, with the aim being to widen sporting opportunities for students by offering one-off events, tournaments, outdoor activities, health & fitness classes and sport taster sessions. They cater to students of all abilities who are unable to commit to regular weekly sporting activities - increasing sporting options across campus.

After extensive research and close work with local partners such as active devon, national governing bodies and university sport clubs, a programme of activities was devised for Terms 1 & 2.

A basketball 3v3 tournament held in December 2016 saw 12 teams entering with the winner receiving a dinner at student bar – hole in the wall. Whilst martial arts week in January 2017 saw over 50 students take part in a selection of free taster sessions, including jiu jitsu, karate, tae kwon-do and kung fu.

Sports Participation Officer, Sarah Bishton, said: “It is really important for students to remain active during their time at University but often choices can be limited in terms of activities offered. This campaign aims to provide opportunities for all students from all backgrounds to take part in sport, no matter what their ability is.”

The campaign has helped to promote This Devon Girl Can - a month of free activities aimed at encouraging women to be more active. These ranged from fitness classes and weightlifting to golf and football beginner taster sessions.

Future events planned as part of the Be Active Be Inspired campaign involve an international student’s sports day held in early March, as well as the ever-popular Grecian Shield – an all-day football tournament. Term 3 will also see a brand new dodgeball tournament taking place on 23 May; open to all students.

The full events timetable has been published but suggestions are welcome for future events that could be held. For further information, please email Sarah at imsport@exeter.ac.uk

Date: 23 February 2017