The three-week community sports event helped strengthen relationships with local communities while promoting sport on the university grounds
For the second consecutive year, Monash University opened up their world-class sporting facilities to the local and university communities for Monash in Motion
For the second consecutive year, Monash Council and Monash University became the ‘City in Motion’ for Australia by jointly hosting a major community-sporting event from 20 September to 8 October 2017. The University and the Council opened up their world-class sporting facilities to the local community and students, who were invited to participate in a range of events to promote health and well-being. FISU endorsed the university’s hosting of the event, recognising the Monash’s continuous commitment to building meaningful partnerships with its local communities.
Monash Mayor Rebecca Paterson said the 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,” Cr Paterson said.
“I’m delighted we are able to offer this to our community again,” Mayor Paterson added. “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.”
Bringing people together in support of multiple sclerosis, Monash University’s MS 24 hour Mega Swim was a feat of endurance for everyone of the 15 member strong teams that participated
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. “Many of our students, graduates and staff live near a Monash campus, enabling us to build extensive relationships with local communities,” Professor Gardner said. “Initiatives like ‘Monash in Motion’ help strengthen those ties further and we are proud to be involved in this event.”
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. 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,” Mr. Knapp said.
Over 1200 participants took part in the Global Fun Run Walk held across many Monash campii. Participants included Martin Doulton (far left), the FISU Continental Association delegate for Oceania.
Team Monash Director Martin Doulton added: “A fit and healthy community is something we at Monash University take very seriously, whether through our globally recognised sporting clubs or through wider initiatives to promote physical and mental well-being.”
“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.”
Monash University has a global footprint. In addition to five Australian campuses, the University also has a international locations and centres, making for a truly global network.
About the ‘City in Motion’ initiative
Following the success of the ‘2015 Lausanne in Motion’, the inaugural International University Sport Festival, FISU launched the opportunity for the rest of the world university sporting communities to consider their involvement in the International University Sport festival celebrating the International Day of University Sport (20 September annually).
With the formal support of Monash Council, Monash University was named the inaugural ‘City in Motion’ host in Australia on 22 February 2016 following a successful bid to FISU. FISU has granted Monash University and Monash Council the opportunity to host this event for the next three years.
(Source: Team MONASH )