VIU is once again offering some indoor and outdoor rec opportunities. There is limited interaction with student safety a major priority. (VIU)

By Dan Marshall

Getting Active

Limited recreation opportunities return to Vancouver Island University

Jan 16, 2021 | 7:20 AM

NANAIMO – Vancouver Island University has resumed recreation opportunities for students on and off campus.

The weight room is once again open, there are a few different activities in the gymnasium and the institution is offering some outdoor options as well.

Athletic Director Danielle Hyde said she’s been able to recognize just how important these opportunities are for students.

“The people who run our programs are told over and over again how important they are. The students can’t wait until the next time they can come to the gym or go out on a hiking trip because there’s just nothing else.”

The gym and rec programs were shut down in November as COVID-19 case numbers rose provincial health restrictions were put in place.

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As registrations began the week of Jan. 11 there was a demand for the off campus offerings.

“There’s been a lot of interest in our outdoor rec trips so far and we’re really confident with the safety plans we’ve built for those. I think because they’re offered outdoors people have gravitated to those.”

Hyde admits that interaction is a huge form of recreation and play but the primary goal for the time being is finding a way to get students active in the safest way possible.

“Right now everything is more on an individual basis. For example we want to get you out of your house with a basketball in your hand we have a hoop for you, or you can come up to a treadmill – it’s ready for your use. We’re not promoting interaction while the students are here.”

The university had to wait until the province laid out January health restrictions before coming up with a recreation plan but Hyde said it’s expected that everything currently being offered to students will continue until at least Feb. 5.

If health orders are loosened up at that time VIU will examine enhancing rec programs but there are no plans to do so currently.

Hyde noted plans for the fall for recreation and athletics normally start now but with the uncertainty of COVID-19 it’s difficult to look that far ahead.

As an athletic director what to do to bounce back from the pandemic will be top of mind in the coming months.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77

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