Remember that first week before classes when everyone moved in and met their roommates and their neighbors down the hall, and the school put on events during what they called Viking Week? And remember how you wish you would have gone to a lot more events than you did? Well, here’s your chance to make up for those Viking Days you missed and a chance to get active and get involved.
Introducing: Sports & Fitness Week. This will be the first annual Sports & Fitness Week here at Portland State, with events going on this week through the end of the month. Campus Recreation Center is putting on a different event each day, so there’s sure to be something that sparks your interest.
Tuesday, 2/24: Dive-In Movie
From 5:30–7:30 p.m. head down to the Campus Rec swimming pool for a showing of Big Hero 6 and the perk that seems to get PSU students to do just about anything: free food. Grab your favorite swim trunks, your yellow polka dot bikini and your friends for an evening free of charge, free of worries and full of entertainment. And inner tubes. Lots of inner tubes.
Wednesday, 2/25: Your Day Off
Campus Rec does not actually have an event planned on this day for Sports & Fitness Week, but there is still plenty to do at the Rec. For example, Group X Fitness Classes.
And just a reminder: All classes are free to PSU students!
If you are an early riser like myself, you may want to check out one of the two mind/body courses. From 7:30–8:30 a.m. there is Hatha Yoga, and then from 8–8:45 a.m. there is a Breathing and Meditation course. There are courses going on all day, including Sneakercamp, Insanity, Bootcamp, Step & Sculpt, Hip Hop Vinyasa Yoga and Zumba. Check out the Campus Rec website for full descriptions and schedules of courses.
Thursday, 2/26: Bubble Soccer
If you’re willing to try something new and exciting, you want to try bubble soccer.
A funky twist on the world’s most popular sport, bubble soccer has players suit up with more than shin guards and cleats. In addition to their normal protective gear, players also suit up into a plastic orb from the waist up. So, you’re basically inside of a giant inflatable bubble and asked to play soccer. Sounds pretty awesome, right? This will be going on from 12–2 p.m. on Thursday at the Campus Rec courts. This is another free event, so you have no reason not to be there.
Friday, 2/27: Waterfront Esplanade Loop Urban Hike
If you’re looking for ways to experience the great outdoors in the city, you should already be looking into the Outdoor Program. There is a lot that you can experience right here in the city without being surrounded by evergreens or moss-covered trails.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Campus Rec is taking you on the three-mile Waterfront Esplanade Loop. On this loop you will navigate the Steel Bridge as well as the Hawthorne Bridge, exploring Portland in a new light. There is no registration or fee associated with this event, just meet at the Outdoor Program (corner of SW 5th and Harrison) at 11 a.m. and you will soon be on your way exploring the City of Roses.
Friday, 2/27: Inclusive Rec’s Fresh Friday
If you aren’t already familiar with Inclusive Rec, this Friday is a great opportunity to get informed and have some fun getting involved. Inclusive Rec is all about everyone and anyone being able to participate in activities despite disabilities or mobility barriers. You may have participated in, or at least heard of, the 3v3 wheelchair basketball tournament put on in January. This was an Inclusive Rec event. And on this TGIF, Inclusive Rec will be bringing some new sports and activities to the table. So come on down from 5–7 p.m. to court three.
Accommodations can be made for anyone.
Saturday, 2/28: Floor Hockey Tournament
I remember playing floor hockey in elementary school gym class and being absolutely horrible, but a lot has changed since those early days.
If you, too, are looking for redemption from your uncoordinated innocence, sign up for the floor hockey tournament this Saturday. You have until this Friday at 5 p.m. to register as a free agent ($5) or as a team ($15). All equipment will be provided; you need only bring yourself and your eagerness to win and have a good time.
Your Second Saturday Event 2/28: Youth Dive-In Movie
For those of you with little ones of your own, it may be challenging to find events that are family friendly here in the city. Campus Rec has got you covered.
From 5:30– 7:30 p.m. (a bit earlier than the Dive-In on Tuesday to accommodate those early bedtimes), there will be another showing of Big Hero 6 specifically for the little guys. Again, there will be free food, and, in addition, there will also be some fun games to entertain the kids. Campus Rec generously provides inner tubes, but feel free to bring your own pool toys and floaties.
You won’t have another chance like this until next year, so I encourage you all to take advantage of these fun and (mostly) free opportunities.
Welcome to Sports & Fitness Week, Vikings—don’t miss the boat!