Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA--Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences (FIKK) State University Surabaya (UNESA) successfully held an International Seminar of Sport and Exercise Science (ISSES) with the theme "Beyond the Games: Promoting Sport and Exercise to Communities" which lasted for two days, starting 26-27 June 2024 at FIKK, Campus 2 Lidah Wetan Surabaya .
Dr. Novadri Ayubi, S.Or., M.Kes., as the chief organizer, said that this activity was a forum for academics, researchers and sports practitioners from various countries to share knowledge and experience in the field of sports. Apart from that, it also acts as a platform to promote sports and physical activity to the wider community.
"Not only international conference sessions, there are parallel sessions involving various topics related to sports science and health, where the local parallel session will be held on August 10 2024, he said.
There were eight speakers who delivered keynote speeches in this seminar, divided into two days with four speakers each day. On the first day, among them were Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, President of the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC).
Furthermore, Seetow Cheng Fave, Secretary General of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim bin Mokhtar from University Malaya, and Fernando Parente, Director of Development and Healthy Campus International Federation of University Sports (FISU).
On the second day the speakers were, Dr. Liu Lixin as AUSF President and Ms. Laura as AUSF Deputy Secretary, Dr. Chanika Pinyorospathum from Mahidol University, Prof. Eef Hogervor from Loughborough University, and Prof. Drs. Suroto, M.A., Ph.D from UNESA.
In the first session, Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed presented the main topic related to physical and mental 'well-being' in this seminar.
He emphasized that this topic is one of the strategic targets promoted by AUSC and is part of the third sustainable development goal (SDG), namely a healthy life and prosperity.
"In the current era of technological convenience, many people are lazy to move, even walking 100 meters feel reluctant," he stressed.
This issue is very important because it illustrates the close relationship between physical health and mental health. Educational institutions, especially universities, need to encourage their students to be more physically active.
He also highlighted the major challenges faced in the academic environment, including mental health problems which have been exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. To overcome this, there are four strategies that can encourage the realization of a healthy campus.
First, telehealth services to expand long-distance counseling and health consultations. Second, digital health applications to track and improve health behavior.
Furthermore, flexible learning spaces that support health and collaboration, and finally inclusive programs to address the needs of diverse student populations.
Universities need to create policies and allocate adequate resources. This also applies to teachers and staff who must support students' well-being inside and outside the classroom.
"Students must also advocate for their needs and participate in health programs, and there are external parties such as community partners who can offer resources and services," he added.
A number of sports experts from various countries attended as key speakers at this international sports seminar. They highlighting the phenomenal lack of movement among society
He also outlined corrective measures that could be implemented in the near future, including policy initiatives to support comprehensive well-being, resource allocation to invest in infrastructure and health programs, and student involvement to encourage sustainable health initiatives. led by students. In addition, ongoing evaluations will be carried out for routine assessments and adjustments to health strategies.
In line with the theme, Seetow Cheng Fave also discussed how to promote a healthy lifestyle on campus. Health involves four main components such as physical, mental, emotional, and social. These factors are important for improving the quality of life and well-being of the campus community.
He also identified several challenges to a healthy campus, such as increased demands and risks, mental health crises, changing needs, sometimes fragmented approaches, as well as increasing costs and decreasing funding.
Seetow emphasized the importance of creating a university environment that supports holistic health. ”A healthy university environment aims to create a learning environment and organizational culture that enhances the health, well-being, and sustainability of its community,” he explained
He also promotes a whole systems approach that integrates the various elements of the university system, as well as emphasizing the importance of interaction between humans, their behavior and their environment.
As a strategic step, this sports health expert from the National University of Singapore suggests several approaches that can be taken, including embedding health in campus policies. Furthermore, creating a campus environment that supports creativity and a culture of well-being.
Not only that, other approaches can be applied such as supporting students' personal development, collaborating with stakeholders, and respecting research and evidence-based practices in promoting health in the academic environment .
One of the important moments in this seminar was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNESA and several well-known universities. The MOU was signed between the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC) and Mahidol University.
Meanwhile, the LOI was signed between UNESA and Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al -Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
With this international collaboration, it is hoped that collaboration and research in the fields of sports and health can be strengthened, as well as improving the quality of education and research at UNESA in the future. []
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Reporter: Mohammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: UNESA Public Relations Team
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