Broadcast: News items

The admissions team make the most of one of the new outdoor table tennis tables on campus during the Commit To Get Fit challenge in May 2012.

Sussexsport is offering free access to its services during May to staff teams who sign up to its month-long fitness and wellbeing challenge.

The Commit To Get Fit challenge – now in its second year - gives members of staff a chance to team up with their colleagues and work together to be more active throughout May.

Teams of between five and 10 people from one area or department can sign up and set individual and team targets around exercise, eating and other wellbeing activities.

Challengers can benefit from free access to sports facilities, taster sessions, fitness and wellbeing talks, and one-to-one support. Participants are also eligible to receive discounts from massage therapists.

A team of staff from the Admissions Office won last year’s challenge – the first – after between them cycling, walking, running and swimming more than 2,000 kilometres.

Karen Creffield, Head of Sport, says: “We were really impressed with the focus and enthusiasm shown last year.

“We had individuals taking up new sports, walking to work, and getting off the bus a stop or two earlier. One team developed an office fruit bowl and another team set out to make it a month of five-a-day. There was also a real sense of fun in getting to know work colleagues.

“What was really inspiring was that, six months after the challenge ended, over 50% of people said they were still doing more exercise.”

Throughout the month, teams will be expected to complete at least one blog entry a week on SPLASH and individuals are encouraged to blog frequently about their experiences.  Teams will also be asked to write a one-page summary about what they have done and the difference it has made to their team.

The most inspirational team response will be chosen by a panel of Sussexsport staff and the winning team will receive a prize of an on-site office massage or a team meal at Dine Central.

Also, a prize of a three-month Gold sports membership or a £25 iTunes voucher will be given to the best individual blog.

Karen adds: “Last year’s blogs were fantastic, with record numbers of postings on SPLASH during the challenge. Fiona Hurd, last year’s individual winner, kept us entertained with her own challenge of trying every class on the Sussexsport programme - an admirable feat in itself!”

To enter a team, email Karen - k.creffield@sussex.ac.uk - with details before 1 May.

The challenge is being run in conjunction with Health, Safety and Wellbeing and starts on 1 May, with the annual boundary walk as the first event. The annual boundary run will this year take place on 29 May, during the last week of the challenge.

The Sussexsport website contains a timetable for specific Commit to Get Fit events. To book onto these contact Sam Fuller at s.n.fuller@sussex.ac.uk.

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 your request. There will be no charge for this. Please indicate interest when you sign up.