Alexa Guessford | Staff Writer

Last Friday, February 22, Buena Vista University’s (BVU) Recreation Services hosted National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association’s (NIRSA) National Recreational Sports & Fitness Day on campus. This marked the 63rd annual celebration of the day to focus on, celebrate, and share the positive benefits of recreational sports, fitness and wellness.

Various activities took place on campus throughout the day to encourage students, faculty and staff participation in the event. Participants were able to come and go as they wished, and could attend numerous sessions pending their schedule. There were 20 students, faculty, and staff in attendance.

Ellen Schiltz, Director of Recreation Services was instrumental in the planning of the event.

“We had a variety of events scheduled throughout the day to engage the BVU community,” said said. “Mother Nature sent us great snow for cross country skiing throughout the night, and four of us were able to ski on the lake and around campus.”

The agenda was as follows:

6:00 – 6:45am – Running Group
10:00 – 11:30am – Weight Room Orientation
12:00 – 12:45pm – Walking Group
12:10 – 12:45pm – Yoga for Beginners
3:00 – 5:00pm – Cross Country Skiing
5:15 – 6:00pm – Spin Class
5:15 – 6:15pm – Total Body Conditioning

“I had never cross country skied before, so it was fun to try something new. I had a blast even though I fell a few times,” sophomore Geena Graber said.

Director of Health and Wellness Tami Laursen also led parts of the day.

“I was in charge of the running group and the walking group. We talked as we walked about how a partner or group activity is much easier to get motivated to do,” Laursen said. “Everyone was reminded that there is a summer walking group that has been utilized for the past two summers; perhaps this will motivate them and others to join this or another group in the future.”

Photos courtesy of Aaron Burns and Hannah Campbell