Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Central Michigan University’s University Recreation conducted another exciting RecFest, Feb. 17-22, giving students the chance to explore a variety of programs, try new activities and celebrate recreation and fitness on campus.

Held each semester, RecFest showcases the many ways students can get involved in recreational sports, fitness and wellness. This spring’s event coincided with NIRSA Recreational Sports & Fitness Day on Feb. 22—a national celebration of the founding of NIRSA, the leading association for collegiate recreation.

Throughout the week, students participated in a wide range of events, including a silent disco, Glow Dodgeball, Glow Volleyball and a pool party. Gaming enthusiasts competed in Super Smash Bros tournaments, while others took part in rock climbing, beginner fitness classes, HIIT workouts and yoga sessions. The week ended on a high note with open skate at Martin Ice Arena, where students enjoyed free ice skating.

To encourage participation, students received punch cards at each event, earning up to four punches for a chance to win RecFest t-shirts and gift cards. The giveaway added extra excitement, with many students attending multiple events to increase their chances of winning.

As always, all group fitness classes were free throughout the week, allowing students to try different workouts and discover new ways to stay active.

Campus Collaboration Enhances RecFest

This year, other campus departments joined the fun, adding even more opportunities for students to engage with different aspects of wellness and recreation.

CMU Community Police Officer Josh Chapman hosted two events: "Challenge Chapman," where students tested their skills against him in a series of different fitness challenges, and a game night, which brought students together for some friendly competition.

Additionally, CMU Counseling Services contributed to RecFest by hosting "Balance Your Body and Mind" in the Student Activity Center, an event focused on mental wellness, stress relief and self-care strategies. These collaborations emphasized the importance of a well-rounded approach to student well-being, blending physical activity with mental and emotional health resources.

Honoring NIRSA’s Legacy

This year’s RecFest was especially meaningful, as NIRSA celebrated its 75th anniversary. What began in 1950 as the National Intramural Association, founded by Dr. William Wasson, brought together 20 Black professionals from 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities at Dillard University in New Orleans to discuss intramural programs, share resources and exchange ideas. Over time, the organization evolved into the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) before adopting its current name in 2012.

Today, NIRSA has grown into a robust network of collegiate recreation and well-being professionals, students, institutions and companies dedicated to enhancing the experiences of millions of college students across North America. CMU proudly continues this tradition by providing students with opportunities to engage in recreation, fitness and wellness through events like RecFest.

RecFest once again proved to be a great way to bring students together, promote recreation and fitness activities across campus and celebrate NIRSA National Recreational Sports & Fitness Day.