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10 May 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo Supplied
Fun walk-run 2024
Step into fitness and fun at the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk. Join us on 11 May at 6am at the Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus.

The heartbeat of the University of the Free State (UFS) is pulsing with excitement as the Faculty of Health Sciences gears up to host an event that promises to unite the campus and the Bloemfontein community in a celebration of health, vitality, and camaraderie as we mark Africa Month. Get your running shoes laced and your spirits high because on 11 May 2024, it’s time to join the free 5km Fun Run and Walk.

Date: 11 May 2024  
Time: 06:00  
Venue: Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus  

Why should you join?

Picture this: The crisp morning air filled with the rhythm of lively beats, the sun gently rising over the iconic Francois Retief Building, and a sea of smiling faces ready to embark on a journey of fitness and fun. The 5km fun run and walk is not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, promoting mental wellness, and embracing the joy of movement.

“Exercise should be fun. Most people believe that spending long hours exercising produces better results, whereas we want to encourage and show people that exercise should not feel like work – it should be fun,” says Jabulile Mabina, Assistant Officer at KovsieFit Gym.

Leading the charge in the fitness fiesta is KovsieFit, bringing its signature blend of energy and enthusiasm to the event. Mabina will guide participants through an invigorating aerobics session guaranteed to get those endorphins flowing and those muscles warmed up for the main event. Remember, exercise isn’t just about sculpting the body; it’s about nourishing the mind and soul too.

Community, connection, and compassion

At the heart of the fun run and walk lies a deeper purpose – to raise awareness about mental health and to foster a sense of community spirit as we celebrate Africa Month. Reuben Maeko, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says: “The vision of the faculty of Health Sciences is to be research led and innovative, people centred, regionally engaged, and globally competitive. We prioritise the well-being of our students and staff by organising events that promote healthy lifestyles. Our focus is on our community, placing our people at the forefront of all our endeavours. Moreover, this event will underscore the importance of physical activity for students, keeping them active and healthy.”

This sentiment resonates with the theme for the 2024 Africa Month, which is World Citizenship and African Higher Education: Preparing Students for a Connected World.

Prizes galore

What’s a celebration without some rewards? Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Standard Bank, Steers and Debonairs, Pimento, and Rhythm Finance, participants stand the chance to win an array of exciting prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker soaking in the sights, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and lace up those running shoes because the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk awaits. Whether you’re a staff member, a student, or a member of the Bloemfontein community, come join us as we step, stride, and smile our way to a healthier, happier tomorrow. Remember, it’s not just a run; it’s a journey of joy, unity, and well-being. See you at the starting line.

News Archive

Student from Atlanta, USA joins TIA/UFS Metagenomics Platform group
2012-09-11

Kanesha Gillyard from the USA .
11 September 2012

 The university and the Spelman College in Atlanta, USA had a joint research venture that ran from June to August 2012. We had the honour of hosting one of the students from Spelman in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Kanesha Gillyard joined the group from the TIA/UFS Metagenomics Platform in the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology.

This was the first time that Kanesha had left Atlanta. This is what she had to say about her trip to Africa:

“I was met with a bright smile and open arms on my first day. The university staff and overall student body have embraced me. Furthermore, the Biotechnology Department has made me feel like I am family. Every day I was given the opportunity to work with a group of people dedicated to their goals, persistent regarding their purpose and fluent in speaking the many dialects of this universal language.

My first week here at the university was like walking into a whole new world.

I have learned many valuable lessons after experiencing life in South Africa for the past two and half months. From adjusting to a new environment and broadening my horizons to becoming trilingual in English, Afrikaans and the new universal language of virtue, I have grown tremendously. Being a “Kovsie” for two months and obtaining an invaluable wealth of knowledge has left me with the confidence of a winner, passion of a dreamer and heart of a nurturer. In essence, this experience has taught me the scientific method to repeat in order to reach for infinity and beyond.”
 

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