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The University’s sports service is offering prizes and discounts to encourage staff to get fit and improve their wellbeing in May.

Sussexsport is inviting members of staff to team up with their colleagues and work together to be more active throughout the month.

Teams that enter are being asked to write about their progress, whether they try out classes, walk or cycle to work, or take up a new sport. The most inspirational response, as voted for by Sussexsport staff, will win an on-site office massage or a team meal at Dine Central.

A three-month gold sports membership or a £25 iTunes voucher will also be given to the member of staff who writes the best blog about the challenge on SPLASH.

Staff who are not already members can also get a 20% discount on a gold or silver sports membership during May.

A team must include between five and 10 people from one area or department. 

To enter, you should send an email before 1 May to Karen Creffield, Head of Sport (k.creffield@sussex.ac.uk),  giving the names and contact details of all your team members. At the end of the month you will be asked to submit a summary explaining what you have done and the difference it has made to your team.

In need of some inspiration?

• You could start your challenge by getting your team to participate in the annual boundary walk and run on 2 May. To register go to the Sussexsport website or email info@sussexsport.com
• Drop in on one of the weekly classes in zumba, yoga, circuits, spinning, mountain biking and many more
• Commit to cycle or walk to work
• Take up a martial art and go along to a free club taster session in judo, integrated martial arts, aikido or shaolin kung fu
• Take up a new sport
• Commit to walking once or twice a week at lunch time
• Treat yourself to a regular treatment at the therapy room
• Make a commitment as a team to collectively walk, run cycle a set number of kilometres over the month.  With a team of five, you could try 201.2 km over the month (a commitment of just of 10km a week each)…or go for 20.12 each!

If you or members of your team have never before used the University’s sports service, they will send you a free seven-day trial pass, which will include access to their classes programme.  Email info@sussexsport.com

If you would like a member of Sussexsport staff to lead a team yoga class, relaxation class, spinning class, mountain biking session, trampoline session or a walk during May, they will do their best to accommodate (there will be no charge for this).  Please indicate interest when you sign up. 

The ‘commit to get fit in May’ campaign is being run in conjunction with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Office, who are currently drawing up a new policy stating the commitment of the University to promoting and supporting staff and student wellbeing. The policy encourages managers to allow staff to work flexibly where possible to allow their participation in exercise, fitness classes and sessions that can help promote physical and emotional wellbeing.