Detroit Mercy staff, faculty competing in ‘Go Move’ event

By Claire Patterson / VN STAFF WRITER

Detroit Mercy’s staff and faculty are taking part in a national challenge encouraging physical activity.  

The “Go Move Challenge” is a friendly, country-wide competition.

It involves the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, which includes such schools such as Gonzaga, Georgetown, Loyola Chicago and many more

Matthew Chesley, manager at the University Recreation, is overseeing the “Go Move Challenge” at Detroit Mercy. He is a personal trainer with National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification.

This competition encourages all faculty and staff of Jesuit universities and colleges to get up and move.

“There are two ways to win: total minutes and average minutes per participant,” said Chesley. “Currently, we are top five in average minutes.”

After coming in second place for average minutes last year, Detroit Mercy participants are focusing on this event.

Because this is a challenge, there is a prize for winning. But it’s just bragging rights.

Professors can always make it more interesting and challenge one another as well.  

The challenge takes place the whole month of February, which leaves you a few weeks to get moving and represent your school.

“Every minute counts,” said Chesley. “So walking, jogging, lifting, shoveling snow, skiing or whatever you like to do can all be added into your minutes.”

The competition began in California when University of San Francisco challenged Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.

“Over the past six years, it has reached nearly every (Jesuit) institution,” said Chesley.

To keep track of our school’s ranking in the competition and to log your minutes of activity, go to www.gomovechallenge.org.

There is still time.