Participation

The links between regular physical activity and emotional wellbeing, as well as improved academic performance, are comprehensively documented. Regular physical activity improves student wellbeing and academic success through improvements to physical and mental health, confidence, self-esteem, and reduced social isolation.

Participation opportunities were somewhat fragmented in 2021, owing to the numerous COVID-19 lockdowns during the year. Most of the disruption was caused during the second half of the year, with nearly all programs suspended or cancelled during Semester 2.

Online resources focused on providing ideas for staying engaged in regular physical activity at home with minimal exercise equipment. Resources included running, stretching and workout plans, instructorled workout videos and fitness challenges. Content was aimed at providing options for those who have little fitness experience and also intermediate-level programs. A highlight of the year was the launch of the Unimelb Moves app, a resource developed with the goal of giving access to fitness content to all members of the University community.

MU Sport also assisted in providing content to the University’s online channels, featuring regularly in the University’s communications to students and staff.

Campus Sport Volleyball at the Nona Lee Sports Centre

Participation College Sport College Sport provides opportunities for the students living in the University’s affiliated colleges to compete for their college in a range of sports, with some competitions dating back more than 130 years.

The winning Men's First VIII crew from Ormond College

Asserting itself as the “Champion of the Crescent”, Queen’s College won the 2021 Tickner Cup, awarded annually to the Residential College with the highest overall points during the College Sport program. Queen's also took out the Cowan Cup as the overall winner of the men’s competition, while Ormond College claimed the Holmes Shield as the overall winner of the women’s competition.

After a year without College Sport, the competition was off to a roaring start in Semester 1. Highlights of the program included the Rowing Regatta on the banks of the Yarra River, as well as the inaugural Cross Country competition held in Prince’s Park. Unfortunately, the return of COVID-19 restrictions throughout Semester 2 prevented any further competitions. Competition Winner The Tickner Cup (Overall) Queen's College

The Cowan Cup (Men's) Queen's College

The Holmes Shield (Women's) Ormond College Competition Winner Cricket M Ormond College Cricket W St Hilda’s College Tennis MX Ormond College Athletics M Trinity College Athletics W Newman College Cross Country M St Hilda’s College Cross Country W Ormond College Table Tennis Queen’s College Hockey M Queen’s College Hockey W St Hilda’s College Soccer M St Hilda’s College Soccer W Ormond College Rowing M (1st) Ormond College Rowing M (2nd) Ormond College Rowing W (1st) Ormond College Rowing W (2nd) Queen’s College