News

The University of Botswana (UB) Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation has underscored the importance of physical fitness and mental wellbeing through its recently held UB Fitness Night Out, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among students and members of the public.

The event formed part of a series of activities organised by the University to commemorate Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Held on the 30th of October 2026 at the UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre under the theme, “Refresh Your Mind: Healthy Ways to Beat Exam Pressure,” the event attracted fitness and wellness enthusiasts from across Gaborone and surrounding areas for an evening of physical activity, endurance and relaxation.

Beyond serving as a fora for participants to exercise, the event was a timely reminder of the importance of prioritising physical and mental health particularly during demanding periods such as examinations.

Officially welcoming participants, Director of Student Life and Experience, Dr Barbra Pansiri, shared practical tips on cancer prevention and mental health, emphasising the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits. She highlighted regular physical exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing processed foods, and prioritising health screening and awareness as key measures for maintaining good health.

Dr Pansiri encouraged participants to make physical exercise a consistent part of their daily routines, urging beginners to embrace fitness while motivating those already exercising to maintain the habit. She emphasised that prevention remained better than cure and that individuals had a responsibility to take proactive steps towards safeguarding their health.

“Physical fitness plays a vital role in our daily lives and contributes significantly to our physical, mental and social wellbeing,” she said.

Turning her attention to students preparing for examinations, Dr Pansiri underscored the role of physical activity in managing stress and anxiety. She encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic commitments and rest, noting that a calm mind, supported by a healthy body, was essential for effective studying and examination success.

She further expressed appreciation to the event's sponsors, fitness enthusiasts, fitness clubs, sports clubs and all stakeholders whose contributions helped make the initiative a success.

The Fitness Night Out culminated in a series of energetic physical activities designed to test participants' endurance and fitness levels. Guided by experienced fitness instructors, the fully packed Indoor Sports Centre provided an atmosphere of excitement, relaxation and networking, as participants engaged in various exercises while embracing the benefits of an active lifestyle.

The event also demonstrated the University of Botswana's continued commitment to promoting sports development, health and wellness, extending its impact beyond the university community to the wider public.

Through its investment in modern sports infrastructure and the organisation of inclusive sporting and wellness initiatives, UB continues to position itself as an institution that recognises the important role of sport and physical activity in building healthier, more active and resilient communities.