Since its launch in 2018 – read more here – the Recreational Sports office of Franklin University Switzerland, as part of the Office of Student Life, aims to provide positive and enriching experiences for the FUS community and is committed to promoting physical fitness within the University and organizing activities, and sports for students, faculty, and staff.
During the last two years the entire Franklin community has been heavily affected by the pandemic situation, but nevertheless, has maintained a positive attitude and perhaps developed a much stronger desire to seek physical and mental wellness, build stronger relationships, and live unique experiences at Franklin.
The Recreational Sports office has kept spirits high thanks to the Franklin Falcons basketball team, FUS mascot, which was able to continue practicing while following all safety guidelines, restrictions and limitations. The Falcons have also started competing again, playing against other local and university teams. The latest matches were with the Lugano Basket Tigers and the Universitá Svizzera Italiana basketball team. Next up this Wednesday, September 29, the Falcons will be facing the Viganello Caimans, and tickets for the event are already available starting from today at the Office of Student Life front desk.
Outside of the basketball court, many students were able to also join in on the ski, snowshoeing and sledding trips organized last semester, in collaboration with the FUS Alpine Club, which turned out to be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, while being socially distanced and masked up.
Recreational sports are also carried out on campus, in the Tone Athletic Center (TAC), which had to frequently adapt the way students, faculty and staff could have access to the facilities and courses. Following the current Swiss Covid-19 requirements, access to the TAC is allowed only to individuals who possess a valid Covid-19 vaccination or recovery certificate, and self-check their attendance through the Franklin app (iTunes or Google Play). Despite the safety limitations, a large number of students was still able to benefit from the TAC's services and offers in terms of physical well-being and connecting with others who share a passion for sports. This Fall 2021 semester, the Franklin community can visit the TAC to engage in courses of Krav Maga, indoor soccer and total body workouts.
In addition, a larger variety of outdoor activities has been added to the recreational sports program, including rock climbing, tennis lessons, soccer games, rowing and paddling courses, hiking, mountain biking, various excursions, and more – check them out here.
"There is no stopping Franklin! We plan on offering further exciting and fun activities, like the first edition of the “Franklin Games”, a full one-day sports competition where different teams contend in a large assortment of different and heterogeneous disciplines. We are also always open to new requests from our students and welcome anyone to join our vibrant and productive FUS sports community" says Aniello De Lucia, Coordinator of Recreational Sports & Student Engagement, who also wishes "A healthy and enriching academic year to the whole Franklin family".
You might also be interested in reading more about sports and health services at Franklin here.