The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will be abuzz with excitement as students, staff, and faculty members prepare for the main UJ Future Walk in September/October 2024, a university-wide fundraising event. Recently, the UJ Sport Division organised the “Steps 2 UJ Future Walk,” on 18 May 2024, serving as a successful warm-up event for the main walk at the AW Muller Stadium in Auckland Park.
More than just exercise: A celebration of community and support
The UJ Future Walk goes beyond promoting an active lifestyle. It fosters a spirit of integration and diversity within the UJ community, all while raising crucial funds for students facing financial hardship (“The Missing Middle”).
Speaking at the event, Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu, Senior Director of UJ Sport and Acting Senior Director of UJ Student Affairs, emphasised the event’s importance: “The UJ Future Walk is about creating an active student life, fostering a sense of community, and having fun together.
“But most importantly, it’s about raising funds to support our deserving students (The Missing Middle). It’s exam time now, so I want to remind everyone to work hard and refocus. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, please don’t hesitate to visit PsyCaD (UJ’s psychology, career development and disability services) for help. Your academic success is our priority, and these fun events are designed to support your well-being.”
Tickets for the next UJ Future Walk will be available for purchase on the UJ Sport App. Staff and students from the various UJ departments and faculties are challenged to enter in teams. There will be two prizes for “Largest Participating Team” and “Best Performing Team”, in addition to the various individual prizes on offer on the day.
Building momentum and maintaining wellness
The Steps 2 UJ Future Walk saw enthusiastic participation from UJ Sport players, technical staff, university leadership, students, and faculty. UJ Conditioning Coach, Pierre Bonthys, who won the 8km run, shared his positive experience: “This was a fantastic event! I especially enjoyed the challenging hills. The best part was seeing everyone from different sports clubs and departments come together. We need to maintain this momentum and continue training for the main event in September.”
Mental health support during exams
Recognising the pressures of exam time, Ms. Reshmika Singh, a Psychologist at PsyCaD, highlighted some of the valuable resources offered to students on managing exam stress: “One of the biggest challenges during exams is dealing with anxiety. My advice is to prioritize self-care. Maintain a healthy balance by staying active, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals. If you’re experiencing extreme anxiety, please don’t hesitate to visit any of the PsyCaD centers on campus.”
The UJ Future Walk offers a unique opportunity to combine physical activity with supporting fellow students.
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