MANILA, MARCH 4, 2013 – Students from 19 universities and colleges in Metro Manila converged at the Makati Sports Coliseum to show off their athletic prowess and sweat it out at the Unilab Fit To Win Street Olympics, officially kicking off the Unilab Fit to Win Youth Club series of activities for the year.
Unilab Fit To Win Youth Club is the country’s first youth club that aims to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle among Filipino college students, and provide them access to various wellness programs and activities beneficial to their overall well-being.
“Unilab believes that health awareness and education at a young age is key to a healthy and brighter future,” said Barry Barrientos, head of Unilab Corporate Affairs Division. “The Unilab Fit To Win Youth Club aims to promote health awareness among Filipino youth by embracing a holistic perspective on health and wellness. By taking part in activities that enhance their mind, body, and spirit, our youth will be fit to win the challenges of tomorrow.”
In recent months, the club toured Metro Manila universities. Those who signed up in the school tours were formally welcomed as club members during the Unilab Fit To Win Street Olympics. Participating schools included Asia Pacific College, Central Colleges of the Philippines-Manila, Centro Escolar University Manila, College of the Holy Spirit, La Consolacion College, Mapua Institute of Technology-Manila, National University, Philippine Christian University, Philippine Women’s University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, San Beda College-Manila, Southville International School and Colleges, STI – Global City, Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon City, Unibersidad de Manila, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay, University of the Philippines Diliman, and University of the Philippines Manila.
“While modern technology has its advantages, many among our youth were found to have not experienced playing on the streets, considered one of the joys of childhood and teenage life,” said Barrientos. “Through the Unilab Fit To Win Street Olympics, we encourage the youth to spend more time on physical activities because a sedentary lifestyle can increase their health risks.”
A celebration of Pinoy street games, Unilab Fit To Win Street Olympics started with a parade of the participating schools, followed by performances by the University of the Philippines Pep Squad and Next Ep Dance Group. Participants from the 19 schools then battled it out on Pinoy street games, including patintero, sipang bilangan, luksong lubid, batuhang bola, karerang takbo, and karerang talon.
Achieving a strong mind, body, and spirit
The Unilab Fit To Win Youth Club aims to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being among Filipino youth through monthly activities, expert guidance on various health issues, and free access to resources and services.
“Unilab Fit to Win goes beyond gathering youth members and providing them activities and health advice. It prepares them for a more successful future by making them more knowledgeable and socially engaged to be able to respond to various issues around them,” Barrientos said.
Club members are entitled to join wellness activities that promote proper exercise, good nutrition, disease prevention methods, personal care routine, sleep and rest information, stress management, self-acceptance and optimism, and healthy relationships. “We have a lot in store for our club members. This April we have Expression Session, an open forum on topics about forming healthy relationships. Unilab also believes nurturing good relationships are very important to this generation’s youth,“ Barrientos added.
Other activities slated are UniSummer, Unilab Fit To Win’s own version of a summer camp; Dance Therapy, a dance class for beginners and expert dancers; Grooming and Style Workshop; Amazing Grocery Race; Leadership Training; Yoga Festival; Feeding Program; and Unilab Extreme Challenge, the youth club’s culminating activity and year-ender event.
Unilab Fit To Win Youth Club members can create their profile and track their progress to good health via a ranking system measured by points gained as they take part in various monthly activities and website forum discussions, update their personal health and wellness journals, and access various health apps.
Students who are interested to be part of this inspiring club can sign up during the Unilab Fit To Win school tour happening November-December in select universities.
