Staff Reporter
THE Department of Student Affairs Wellness Programme of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) is implementing a novel fitness and nutrition programme.
The ‘Passport: Round Trip to Health’ programme, running from October 27 to December 8, has a world travel theme, and makes physical activity and healthy eating fun for participants.
The TAMUQ Department of Student Affairs is also hosting a recreational 5km walk/run open to the public on October 27 in Education City from 10am as part of this initiative.
The event, named ‘Run for the Ring 5K’, scheduled to start and finish by the TAMUQ Building, is in the time honoured tradition of the Aggie Ring, the university ring that students are only eligible for after completing 95 hours of courses.
“It is also an event to encourage members of the community to be active and participate in life,” TAMUQ’s Counselling and Wellness Programme co-ordinator Patti Collins said yesterday.
The race is open to all and there will be a draw for prizes for the finishers.
Currently enrolled TAMUQ students who participate can have their name placed in a draw for a certificate for an Aggie Ring.
Speaking about the inspiration to offer the ‘Passport’ programme, Collins said she wants to share with the TAMUQ community the many benefits of developing a healthy lifestyle.
“One mission of the TAMUQ Wellness Programme is to promote healthy lifestyles, health maintenance, and disease/injury prevention,” she stated.
Collins anticipates that the ‘Passport’ programme will be a fun way for students, faculty and staff to build a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime.
The programme sets an achievable but challenging fitness goal for participants.
‘Passport’ also makes healthy eating easy through six important nutrition goals, allowing participants to focus on each goal separately. “These achievable goals paired with Passport’s exciting ‘trip around the world’ make the programme ideal for everyone,” Collins observed. Those interested in participating in the run/walk event can visit www.qatar.tamu.edu to download an application and get more information. 
More details about the ‘Passport: Round Trip to Health’ or the ‘Run for the Ring 5K’, can be had from Collins at 423-0047 or patricia.collins@qatar.tamu.edu