Whether it’s Gabby Douglas winning the gold in the gymnastics individual all-around competition, the U.S. basketball team dominating the court or Michael Phelps sealing his title as the most decorated Olympic athlete in history, for two weeks, the summer games put physical activity center stage and in the homes of more than 31 million Americans.
In the spirit of the Olympics, MHealthy is holding its own Torch Relay and MGames Field Day events Sept. 19 in Ann Arbor. Similar MGames events also are scheduled at UM-Flint on Sept. 26 and UM-Dearborn on Oct. 2. These free outdoor events kick off Active U Autumn.
“We can’t all be Olympians but we can all do something to improve our health, well-being and the life we live,” says Colleen Greene, MHealthy wellness coordinator. “What better way to get the university ready for Active U Autumn then holding events inspired by the world’s biggest athletic competition.”
Sept. 19 events include:
• Torch Relay, 11:30 a.m. (participants should arrive 10 minutes before)
Relay routes start at both Regents’ Plaza and the Hospital Courtyard. Participants will walk, run or wheel alongside U-M leaders, fellow coworkers and students. Both routes end at Palmer Field where a ceremonial “passing of the torch” will take place marking the start of the MGames at noon. Participants are encouraged to wear their Active U T-shirts during the relay and sign up as a group representing their department or unit. Register for the Torch Relay at www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=TORC18E.
• MGames Field Day, noon-2 p.m., Palmer Field
After the Torch Relay, everyone is invited to Palmer Field for MGames Field Day. Greene describes it as a combination of the Olympic Games and fun-filled field days remembered from childhood. The event will include inflatables, games and activities, information booths, on-site Active U Autumn registration, giveaways and more.
Employees who participate in the Torch Relay or MGames will receive a T-shirt (quantities are limited). Additionally, benefits-eligible faculty and staff who participate in either event will be entered into MHealthy’s November Grand Prize Drawing for a chance to win prizes valued up to $500 each, including travel vouchers, exercise and sporting equipment and gift certificates. Employees are asked to bring their U-M ID to be entered into the drawing.
Water stations also will be available at these events. In an effort to be green, MHealthy officials encourage everyone to bring their own water bottle.
Registration for Active U Autumn, the six-week physical activity challenge, opens Sept. 11 to all university faculty, staff, students, employee spouses/Other Qualified Adults and retirees. Register through Oct. 8 and log activity undertaken between Oct. 2 and Nov. 12. Learn more at www.mhealthy.umich.edu/autumn.
For more information about the Torch Relay, MGames and other Active U Autumn kickoff events, go to www.mhealthy.umich.edu/auaevents.
