Vitebsk State Medical University is preparing to celebrate its birthday on November 1st on a grand scale and, on the eve, is opening a centre for sports and health improvement activities for students and staff on the premises of one of its dormitories, as reported to BELTA correspondent by the university.
Vitebsk State Medical University is preparing to celebrate its birthday on November 1st on a grand scale and, on the eve, is opening a centre for sports and health improvement activities for students and staff on the premises of one of its dormitories, as reported to BELTA correspondent by the university.
The grand opening of the fitness club "Fortius" in student dormitory No. 5 will take place on October 31st. The facility has been built and equipped using the university's own funds. It includes a gym and a fitness room, both equipped with modern equipment and an air conditioning system. Classes at the club will be organised for university students and staff free of charge.
"This concept has been in the making for over a decade," noted Olga Syrodoeva, Vice-Rector for Educational and Ideological Work at VSMU. "In the early 2000s, the university's management decided to close the student canteen on the basement floor of dormitory No. 5, as it was simply not needed. And the idea arose to use the freed-up space for a sports and health centre. A student construction brigade was even formed, which was involved in the redesign of the space: dismantling partitions, removing construction debris, and preparing the premises for renovation. Then the work was suspended. But under the new rector, Anatoly Shchastny, what had been started was brought to completion. And to the highest standards."
The two modern sports halls will also be used in the educational process – for senior students who can choose, at their discretion, health improvement classes, step aerobics, tai-bo, stretching, Pilates, jump-fit, and other types of fitness. In addition, lecturers from the Department of Medical Rehabilitation will conduct classes in the "Grace" and "Women's Self-Defence" health groups here.
On November 1st, the new gym will host powerlifting competitions, which will be part of the university's birthday celebrations. Other spectacular events planned include a formal meeting and a celebratory concert, a flash mob "Let's Sing the University Anthem Together," and a quest game "History of VSMU."