FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond believes it is natural for FISU to support the World Health Organisation’s Walk The Talk campaign on 16-17 May 2020.
“As an international governing body that bridges university education and sport, we at FISU feel responsible for the fitness, health and overall wellbeing of millions of university students worldwide,” says Saintrond.
“This is why we are so excited to partner the WHO in an initiative that is about health for all. The objectives of this campaign align so closely with our own mission, that it is natural for us to support it in every way that we can.”
On 16 and 17 May, WHO and its partners, through a range of online platforms, will host Walk the Talk: The Health for All Challenge. This first-time virtual event will include fun physical activities, health information sessions with health experts on topics ranging from physical and mental health to nutrition and healthy ageing, and cooking demonstrations.
The event will run like an online virtual global relay, connecting WHO Regional and Country offices around the world on 16 May before returning to Geneva 24 hours later on 17 May, the opening day of the 73rd World Health Assembly.
The event will offer opportunities for people to participate in a variety of virtual, timed events – yoga, exercise classes for all ages and abilities, meditation, walking in place (or in locations within the guidelines of respective national authorities). The aim is to get people moving for their own health and that of others. There will also be music, information and interactive sessions, and more! All information can be found here.
Eric Saintrond also stresses on the similarities with the objectives of the FISU Healthy Campus project that was launched earlier this week. “We have launched the Healthy Campus project this week; a project that encourages physical activity and healthy choices on campuses. So, I urge you to join this year’s Virtual Walk the Talk and encourage all those around you to move, be fit and be healthy at home.”