Sport and exercise

Universities are increasingly recognising the importance of promoting wellbeing strategies in order to support both student and faculty wellness. The move towards “healthy universities” is a growing trend aimed at creating both a student learning environment and an organisational culture that fosters health and wellbeing. In order to promote health amongst the university community, it is important that any initiative or program adopts a holistic approach, inclusive of physical, social and psychological wellbeing. Physical activity has been identified as having a positive influence on overall wellbeing. As such, many universities actively encourage students and staff to engage in sport and exercise through the provision of resources and programs. This chapter explores how the role of physical activity through sport and exercise can support the promotion of wellbeing for the university community. A number of initiatives that have been implemented both internationally and from a local perspective are examined.