OSU, Baylor to participate in Second Live Active Challenge

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

OSU and Baylor are once again competing off the field.

The Stillwater Department of Wellness has partnered with Baylor University to launch a second annual Live Active Challenge. The six-weeklong competition encourages students and faculty to develop a more active lifestyle.

Last year, the Live Active Challenge saw more than 300 OSU Stillwater employees participate, logging more than 47,000 minutes of activity. Preston Nesemeier, the event’s coordinator, is excited to see students get involved this year.

“Previously, the challenge focused on getting OSU employees to live a more active life. This year we are opening the competition to include students, and are hoping to have more than 500 students and employees participate,” Nesemeier said.

The event is part of the Department of Wellness’ efforts to provide activity-based programming to students and faculty.

“The Department of Wellness provides a strong foundation to physical wellness within OSU’s harmony of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and professional wellness,” said Dr. Suzy Harrington, OSU Chief Wellness Officer.

The competition runs from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23, and all OSU Stillwater students and faculty are invited to participate. In addition to the Department of Wellness’ normal programs and services, there will also be weekly challenges for participants to complete. Students and benefits-enrolled employees who participate are eligible to win prizes, including a Fitbit Flex and weekly drawings for a free massage.

Eventually, Nesemeier hopes to get all Big 12 schools involved, making a conference-wide push for healthy living. And while the ultimate goal of the challenge is to promote active lifestyles, the competition factor isn’t lost on Nesemeier.

“Of course, we also want to beat the Bears,” he said.

Students and employees of OSU Stillwater can register at okla.st/beatbaylor. Visit wellness.okstate.edu for more information on the Department of Wellness.

Story by Catherine Wilson