The University of Otago School of Physiotherapy has made plenty of strides over the past century, but yesterday was encouraging university staff members to step out themselves, for a healthy walk.
The school, which started life as the ''School of Massage'' in the university clocktower building in 1913, was yesterday celebrating both World Physiotherapy Day and its own centenary.
Despite chilly conditions, about 20 university staff members took part in various walks of up to half an hour, accompanied by physiotherapy students providing historical information about the campus and school.
Organisers said the walks, starting from the clocktower, also aimed to highlight the health benefits of increased physical activity.
Robyn Russell, an administrator at Te Tumu, the university School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies said she had greatly enjoyed the walk, and Eleanor Russell, also an administrator at the school, said she had had a good time ''out among the blossom''.
The school will also celebrate its centenary with ''Reaching Out'', an exhibition focusing on Otago physiotherapy graduates (1913-2013), and being held in the De Beer Gallery at the university Central Library (September 27-December 13).
