Do you ever think about where you have been and what you have accomplished? Reviewing the past is often the first step in making the future better. In December of each year, the staff of the Intramural/Recreational Sports Program gets the opportunity to review the past year when we complete the annual strategic plan report. Here are just some of our 2007 accomplishments:
- 70 new pieces of cardio and selectorized fitness equipment was purchased and installed in the Donna Axum Fitness Center.
- Donna Axum Fitness Center usage increased by 10% between the Spring of 2007 and the Spring of 2006.
- The Fitness/Wellness Program held a total of 1,568 Group Exercise, Mind/Body, and Aqua Aerobics classes during the 2006-2007 school year. This was a 17% increase in class options from the 1,342 classes offered in 2005-2006.
- Within the Fitness/Wellness Program, participation in Mind/Body classes increased from 3,005 participants in 2005-2006 to 4,786 participants in 2006-2007. This was a 59% increase.
- Within the Fitness/Wellness Program, participation in Group Exercise increased from 3360 participants in the Fall of 2006 to 4576 participants in the Fall of 2007. This was a 36% increase.
- Within the Fitness/Wellness Program, there were 736 Group Exercise sessions offered during Fall 2007. This was a 12% increase from the 656 sessions offered during the Fall of 2006.
- Within the Instructional Program, 112 people participated in CPR in the Fall of 2007. This was a 29% increase from the 87 participants in the Fall of 2006.
- Within the Instructional Program, 309 American Red Cross certifications were issued in the following programs: Adult CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Instruction, and Learn to Swim. This was a 20% increase from the 258 certifications issued in 2005-2006.
- The Special Event Program sponsored 49 activities during 2007. This was an increase of 8% from the 44 activities offered in 2006.
- In the Intramural Sports Program, Flag Football had a total of 181 teams during the fall of 2007. This was an increase of 17.53% from the fall of 2006.
- During the 2007 fall semester, eight sports conducted by the Intramural Sports Program had a significant increase in participation. They were: Flag Football (8.8%), Co-Rec Flag Football (40%), Putt Putt Golf (59%), 3 on 3 Basketball (24%), 3 on 3 Football (8%).
- During the 2007 spring semester, the following sports had a significant increase in participation: Team Bowling (48%), Co-Rec Team Bowling (47%), Ultimate Frisbee (58%), Wallyball (48%), 4 on 4 Football (39%), Dodgeball (97%), Co-Rec Racquetball (33%), Racquetball Doubles (17%), and Co-Rec Softball (6%).
- Participation in the Sport Club Program increased by 22.38% from FY06 to FY07.
- The Sport Club Program added 10 new clubs during 2007. They were Hockey, Cycling, disc Golf, Fencing, Kung Fu, Men’s Rugby, Skeet Shooting, Running, Tae Kwon Do and Wake Boarding.
- The Outdoor Connection Center rented 10.88% more equipment in FY 07 than in FY06. 3,511 items were rented in FY06 compared to 3,893 items FY07.
- The Outdoor Connection Center increased the number of activities offered: 74 activities in the 2007 versus 56 in 2006.
- The Facility Management Program increased the number of special events hosted in the HPER from 129 in 2006 to 138 in 2007 (6.9% increase).
- The Facility Management Program increased the number of pool hours available to members from 58 hours to 64 hours. This was an increase of 10.3%.
- The Facility Management Program conducted “Mock Week” training so that all staff could participate in accident and emergency related scenarios. This type of training is done to keep student employees sharp in their first responder skills.
- Auxiliary staff memberships to the HPER increased 31.8% in 2007 (107 in 2006 to 141 in 2007).
- Staff memberships to the HPER increased 5.7% in 2007 (847 in 2006 to 895 in 2007).
- The Intramural/Recreational hired 325 student employees in 2007 compared to 300 in 2006, for an increase of 8.3%.
- The staff of the Intramural/Recreational Sports Program made over 60 presentations to student, faculty, and staff organizations during 2007.
I could go on and on as the 2007 Strategic Plan report contains 8½ pages of significant achievements. The bottom line is that the student and professional staff of the Intramural/Recreational Sports Program are doing an excellent job of providing programs and facilities to the university community. And, most importantly, the university community has once again responded with their suggestions, support, and participation.
I want to extend my sincerest hope that each of you will have a pleasant and restful break. See you next year and please continue to visit our website at imrs.uark.edu.
