What is the SUNY Wellness Challenge?
Starting in 2010 each Spring semester Cayuga Community College ran something called the Cayuga Fitness Challenge. It was a successful and friendly 8-week competition that promoted healthy living, fitness and building workplace camaraderie. It was a great success and in 2013 Cayuga expanded it to other SUNY schools. A pilot program was started with two additional schools – SUNY Cortland and Onondaga Community College.
In the spirit of Chancellor Zimpher's Power of SUNY initiatives in creating a "healthier New York" – one of her six big ideas – Cayuga changed the name of their Challenge from Cayuga Fitness Challenge to the SUNY Wellness Challenge. There are plans to greatly promote and expand the Challenge to all SUNY colleges in the coming years.
What is the Team Captain's responsibility?
It is the Team Captain's responsibility to collect each team members Activity Sheet each week and record the results online. They also need to get everyone ready and excited to participate! If so desired, the Team Captain can also delegate each team member to enter in their own statistics if they wish.
How much does the Challenge cost?
The cost this year will be $10 per person ($40 per team). Please see this page for cost and contact information for each school.
How does the Challenge work?
For full details on how the SUNY Fitness Challenge works, please see our HOW IT WORKS pages of our website.
How many winners are there?
By keeping track of each player's points, they are recorded and added to their teammates points. Each team will complete only against those in their school's League Division. Your team will only complete against no more than five other teams. After the 8 week competition the Division winners move on to the final round. During the final round – Final Wellness Challenge Day – only one team will be crowned overall winner for each SUNY School.
The following will be recognized:
- League Division Winners from each school
- Overall Fitness Challenge Team Winner from each school
- The Team with the most points from each school
- The Individual with the most points from each school
- The Individual who loses the most % of body weight from each school
- The Individual with most total steps from each school
How can my SUNY school join next year's Challenge?
If you think your SUNY school would like to participate in the next Challenge please fill out the this form.
How do I start or join a team?
It couldn't be easier – choose one of these options:
Create a new team: Create a New Team
Join an existing team: Join an Existing Team