Wellness March, a major annual programme organised by City University of Hong Kong (CityU), encourages staff and students to take part in sports and leisure activities for physical and mental well-being.

 

Now in its 20th anniversary this year, the programme will operate under the theme “Exercise is Medicine” this year.

 

A launching ceremony for the 20th anniversary of the Wellness March programme and the “Exercise is Medicine” campaign held on 26 February was officiated by Mr Yeung Tak-keung, Commissioner for Sports of the HKSAR Government, and Professor Way Kuo, CityU President.

 

In his address at the ceremony, Mr Yeung praised CityU for organising such a meaningful programme, Wellness March, every year because it helped CityU members to keep fit.  

 

He approved of this year’s theme “Exercise is Medicine” and said that doing more physical exercise improved one’s studying and work performance.

 

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Kuo said the English name of the programme “Wellness March” had a double meaning.

 

“It means ‘wellness’ activities will be organised by the University in March every year, and at the same time, ‘March’ means striding forward. Furthermore, ‘Wellness’ embodies the whole-person development of morality, intelligence, physical strength, social skills and aesthetic appreciation, which is part of the education philosophy of CityU,” he said.

 

Guests attending the ceremony included Professor Horace Ip Ho-shing, Vice-President (Student Affairs), Professor Stanley Hui Sai-chuen, General Secretary of the “Exercise is Medicine” campaign, Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China; Dr Wong Chi-tim, Director of Student Development Services; Dr Ron Kwok Chi-wai, Supervisor of the “Exercise is Medicine” On-campus Programme; Mr Wilson Lam Kin, Director of Student Residence Office; Mrs Dorothy Davies, Associate Director of Student Development Services; and Mr Roy Ngai Hoi-yee, Chairman of the Wellness March Organising Committee.

 

In addition, the University will organise activities for the “Exercise is Medicine” On-campus Programme, which is a global event initiated by the American College of Sports Medicine. The idea is that regular exercise not only boosts health, it also generates greater productivity.

 

More than 60 activities will be organised for the two-month Wellness March programme including talks on health and fitness, marathon running and other sports events, workshops and outdoor pursuits.

 

During these two months, staff and students can use the campus sports facilities for free. Wellness-Plus Awards Scheme introduced by the University several years ago will further serve to encourage the CityU community to get involved in sporting activities for a healthy and fruitful life.

 

 

Notes to editors:

Emily Law, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (Tel: 3442 6819 or 9773 7664)