The National Intramural Recreational Sports Association, which unites campus recreation across the country, celebrated its 71st birthday on Feb. 22. The University of South Florida decided to celebrate this with a monthlong event, the first time in three years it has been recognized at the school.
“I think it gives them an opportunity to learn more about how recreation can play a role in their health and wellness and to experience new programs that they’ve never heard before,” said Brooke Rustad-Dinkel, USF Recreation’s marketing and communications officer. Rustad-Dinkel believes the event is important because it celebrates health and inclusivity.
Different weekly challenges that target USF’s various demographics are scheduled throughout the month, such as leaders in recreation and wellness, aquatics, outdoor recreation, fitness and esports.
“It caters to different people and what different people like to do and also challenges a lot of people. We saw a lot of our participants from the first day all the way through the last day,” said Sosie Kae Quarrie, USF Recreation’s special events coordinator.
This week will be closing out the celebration with an esports theme. The Rec will be hosting the event on their website where there will be many virtual community game nights. Every participant who has taken part in at least one activity each week will receive a grand prize at the end of the celebration, likely a duffle bag of wellness items.
This story was edited by Gabriella Martin and Carla Ibanez Otiniano.
