Students play on one of the the inflatable games.
University of Calgary
May 29, 2019
Climb Mt. Astro, navigate Crash Test ... or just take it easy
Staff and faculty are encouraged to join students in an afternoon of games, wellness activities and free food at UCalgaryStrong Festival on Friday
University of Calgary students pose in front of a tree at the 2017 edition of UCalgaryStrong Festiva
University of Calgary
Nothing encourages team-building like a trip through an inflatable obstacle course together — staff and faculty are encouraged to join students at the UCalgaryStrong Festival as they celebrate the final day of classes with a variety of exciting activities in the Jack Simpson Gym.
This year, the UCalgaryStrong Festival features a few improvements to last year's successful lineup of action-oriented activities.
“We wanted to bring back favourites like Jousting and the Beakerhead Gyroscope activities from last year, but also to introduce attendees to a couple of new experiences to make this year’s event feel fresh and new,” says Naweid Dar, the co-ordinator of the festival organizing committee. In addition to the Mt. Astro inflatable climbing wall and the Crash Test obstacle course, a giant Lite Brite, a giant game of checkers will make their first appearance at the event.
In addition to more action-oriented games, the festival focuses on encouraging student wellness during the busy exam season by encouraging students to take a break from the books, and enjoy some live music, a warm snack and some peace of mind. Low-intensity activities include a chance to try virtual reality, sign up for massage, or just to hang out with a free coffee and pretzel and watch a show.
Stephanie Lee, a co-op student staff member in the Leadership and Student Engagement Office and former full-time student, appreciates how there are so many different ways to enjoy the event.
“I’ve been to the UCalgaryStrong festival three years in a row now, and each time there’s something to do that fits my mood. Sometimes I just choose to hang out and watch other people enjoying the event, and others, I’ll put on a virtual reality helmet and try something new. It’s a great way to get my head out of the books at the end of the semester."
The UCalgaryStrong Festival is an event for everyone. Be sure to drop by the Jack Simpson Gym between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, April 13 and celebrate the successes of the academic year with the UCalgary community.