All right, Niagara. It\u2019s time to make your move.<\/p>\n
Brock University wants to get the public spinning, dancing, boxing and stretching, all in the name of United Way.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Oct. 28, the University\u2019s United Way committee is hosting its first Move-a-thon, a fitness celebration and fundraising event in support of the community organization. Eight one-hour fitness classes such as yoga, fitness kickboxing, Zumba and spinning will be offered from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Each will cost $5 with all proceeds directed to United Way Niagara and counted towards the University\u2019s $145,000 fundraising goal for the charity\u2019s 2018 campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only is group exercise a great way to feel good and get active, it\u2019s also community building,\u201d said Eric Walter, Brock University\u2019s Fitness Manager and Move-a-thon organizer. \u201cJoining this kind of fundraising event adds purpose beyond the individual. Participants reap the health benefits of exercise while also helping others in their community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Advance registration is highly encouraged and can be done by phoning Brock University\u2019s Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk at 905-688-5550 x4060 or by registering for activities online<\/a><\/u> by searching for \u2018United Way\u2019 or \u2018Move-a-thon.\u2019 If space remains, registration will also be available in person at the Walker Sports Complex entrance on the day of the event.<\/p>\n Parking will be free in the main visitor Lot D when mentioning the Move-a-thon to the booth attendant.<\/p>\n Children 10 years and older are welcome to attend, as are all exercise abilities. Classes will be led by volunteer instructors who have experience accommodating various fitness levels.<\/p>\n For those hesitant to participate, Walter encourages them to take the leap.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be lots of first-timers participating simply to support the initiative,\u201d he said. \u201cExercise is a habit that\u2019s difficult to start, but this is a nice opportunity to try something new.\u201d<\/p>\n Brock University has a long history of supporting United Way. Over the past 15 years, more than $1.7 million has been donated through employee payroll contributions and fundraising events.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s fundraising campaign was the University\u2019s largest ever, raising more than $160,000 for the cause.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of Brock\u2019s goals is to enhance the life and vitality of the Niagara community,\u201d said Brian Hutchings, Vice-President, Administration. \u201cOne in three people in Niagara will use a United Way-funded program in their lifetime. By supporting the Brock Move-a-thon, we create a real win-win: We contribute to the betterment of the region by showing our support of United Way, and we also act on and promote healthy living.\u201d<\/p>\n