Dear colleagues

Late summer, early autumn is harvest time when we reap the fruits of the year's efforts. The falling autumn leaves can be seen as the casting off of old habits paving the way for new growth. It is the ideal time to change entrenched habits and to focus on healthy eating and getting fit while enjoying the mellow autumn sun.

On 15 March 2017 you can lay the foundation for your personal wellness goals. Yes, you have guessed it! It's Autumn Mini-Olympics time! This year we celebrate the advent of autumn by embarking on a new adventure towards improved wellness and healthy living. Why don't you join us?

Our sports activities, namely soccer, volleyball and relay races, are designed for people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels with the aim of getting you moving and having fun. Take note – the idea is to have fun, not to compete! Come shake off the hot summer days, enjoy the fresh, cool breeze of autumn and build a new you!  

We are hosting the Mini-Olympics at the Groenkloof Campus, renowned for its lush green fields, and we invite you to join in the fun by registering for one of the four sports activities! Hurry up and ensure that you are registered in time as one of the 500 participants. Space is limited, so don't delay.

But the fun doesn't stop there …

Visit the various wellness stalls on general health, exercise, nutrition and stress management to refresh your body, mind and soul. Make sure you visit the nutrition stall, you will have lots of fun competing against others to create the most interesting, appetising and extraordinary meal. Hurry up as only a limited number of entries can be accommodated. Participants will have the opportunity to get their health assessments ('vitals') done. Zumba with us – only one of the ways to get into shape and stretch those muscles. Be sure not to miss out on the laughter, fun and enjoyment of the smoothie bikes. This is a fun way to get you up and going!

Wait … there is more!

Secure your seat at the prize-giving ceremony at 15:30 to share in the fun and enjoyment of the cheerleaders. Exciting prizes will be up for grabs for the winning teams, as well as the best dressed team and the best team spirit. So, come and have a look and bring along your best war cry, uniform and team – you won't be disappointed!

Register online from 22 February 2017 using the PeopleSoft HCM system on the UP Portal. We have a limited number of places available and entries close on 8 March 2017. No entries will be considered after the closing date.  Join an existing team or form a new one. Ensure that your team will be participating by submitting your team list in time to Nadia Kroll – don't be disappointed if you are disqualified for not adhering to procedures. You can get more details from your faculty or departmental Wellness Champion.

Staff members who do not register online to participate will have a normal working day at the office. Remember to accept the indemnity clause on the application form. No participants will be allowed to participate unless the indemnity form has been signed and accepted.   

Transport to the Groenkloof Campus will be available from the Hatfield and Prinshof Campuses. A bus shuttle service will depart from the Hatfield Campus, c/o Herold and Duxbury Roads (Next to Lunnon Gate), at 11:00 and then at 30 minute intervals to take participants to the Groenkloof Campus. Only one bus will depart from the Prinshof Campus, in front of the HW Snyman Building, Bophelo Road (Gate 8) at 11:00. Staff will be taken back to the Prinshof and Hatfield campuses at 16:00

The UP Corporate Wellness Programme Mini-Olympics lays the foundation for health and well-being. Let's make health a habit!

Click here for more information on the rules of the Autumn Mini-Olympics.

Click here for more information on the programme of the day.

Click here for the map with layout of the stalls, sport fields etc.

Click here for more information on the Wellness Champions.

Mr Mmakgabo Sekobelo
Chairperson: Corporate Wellness Advisory Committee