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Monash in Motion festival raises funds for local charities

20 November 2017

Monash University unites for ‘City in Motion’ again

 

 

The International Day of University Sport is more than a series of sports events put on at campuses and city centres around the world. The day is an annual occasion for communities to come together to promote health and fitness.

 

 

On Australia’s Monash University campuses, the sports festivals play an additional vital community role – raising funds for local charities. The 2017 Monash in Motion events drew over 1,200 participants who raised nearly 20,000 Australian dollars for local charities in the process.

 

During the Megaswim event, 152 swimmers comprising 11 teams swam continuously for 24 hours. The event raised over 18,000 AUD to support those who live with multiple sclerosis.

For the second consecutive year, Monash University hosted the ‘City in Motion’ events from 20 September to 8 October. During this time, the university opened up its world class sporting facilities to the local community and students as they participated in host of sporting activities that promoted health and well-being. FISU endorses the Monash events, recognising the University’s continuous commitment to building meaningful partnerships with its local communities.

 

 

The University and the Council will open up their world class sporting facilities to the local community and students, who will be invited to participate in a range of events to promote health and well-being.

 

 

Monash Mayor Rebecca Paterson said Monash Council was delighted to partner with Monash University again, following the success of last year’s event.  “Last year’s event offered a unique experience for our community to come together for a fantastic community event and take part in promoting and celebrating healthy lifestyles,” Mrs. Paterson said.

 

 

“I’m delighted we are able to offer this to our community again. This is also a great opportunity to highlight the excellent sporting facilities we have in Monash and to build on the strong relationship that exists between Council and the University.”

 

During the pep rally for the Australian University Games organisers raised $1,000 for the Brain Cancer Foundation

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO said Monash in Motion demonstrated the depth of the University’s engagement with its local community.

 

 

“Community engagement is core to the Monash mission,” Mrs. Gardner said. “Many of our students, graduates and staff live near a Monash campus, enabling us to build extensive relationships with local communities. Initiatives like Monash in Motion help strengthen those ties further and we are proud to be involved in this event.”

 

Monash University is a regular contender in the FISU World University League – 3×3 Basketball Finals. The Monash University women’s team from the 2017 tournament.

Australian University Sport chief executive officer Don Knapp said he was pleased to see Monash Council and Monash University join forces again in 2017.

 

 

“Australian University Sport is delighted to have the continued endorsement of FISU for ‘City in Motion’ status again in 2017,” Mr. Knapp said. “This program enhances AUS’s vision of healthy, active,engaged and well-rounded university students. The combined approach of one of Australia’s leading institutions, Monash University and Monash Council no doubt delivered an event that highlights Australia’s leading and innovative role in world university sport.”

 

Following the success of the 2014 Lausanne in Motion, FISU endorsed the event to take place at a couple other select locales, including at Monash University

Ensuring the event’s success, FISU Oceania President Martin Doulton also oversees the Monash in Motion event.  “A fit and healthy community is something we at Monash University take very seriously, whether its through our globally recognised sporting clubs or through wider initiatives to promote physical and mental well-being,” Mr. Doulton said.

 

 

“We are thrilled to join forces with our partner Monash Council again to share something for everyone, from the Mega-Swim event to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, to a Water Wise surfing program to encourage water safety amongst our international communities.