Life will soon become more vibrant for up to 300 people
working in Dunedin's central business district, when a fun
physical fitness programme co-ordinated by Otago Polytechnic
is extended to the area.
The innovative "Spring in2 It" programme has already been
running successfully among polytechnic staff for three years
and its most enthusiastic participants include polytechnic
chief executive Phil Ker.
The programme had previously been extended successfully to
staff at the Otago Museum and at the Customs Service,
Dunedin, but this will be its biggest extension into the
community.
Enrolments open next Tuesday, and the 10-week workplace
wellness programme, designed for busy workplaces, is to start
on July 23.
The project has been supported by $36,000 in funding from the
Well Dunedin Health Trust.
Programme organisers said it could be difficult to get staff
"motivated and energised" in winter, but they could help.
The programme, offered in association with the MoveMe
initiative and the Dunedin City Council, is aimed at
educating workplaces about physical and nutritional health
and to encourage more physical activity.
Participants can undergo a health screening process, complete
an online diary, and undertake a thorough follow up
"post-assessment", including a second health screening.
Mr Ker told the polytechnic's governing council last week the
polytechnic's Otago Institute of Sports and Adventure had
gained the Well Dunedin funding, after the institute proposal
was one of nine selected from 49 initial funding
applications.
The aim is to enroll 300 participants who work in the Moray
Pl area. A launch function will be held at the Terrace Bar at
5pm next Tuesday.
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