The Director of the Olympic Studies Centre at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona took part in a strategic debate on the social impact of physical activity.
The Rectorate’s assembly hall hosted the round table “Physical activity and sport in the university of the future: challenges, opportunities and social impact,” one of the central events held to commemorate the four decades of the Servei d’Actividad Física (SAF).
Emilio Fernández Peña, Director of CEO-UAB and researcher at IRE-UAB, participated in a debate that reflected on the strategic role of sport within the university system and the key changes expected in the coming years.
During the session, emphasis was placed on how sports practice contributes to building active, healthy and socially engaged communities.
The debate, which also featured the participation of the Director of SAF and IRE member Agustí Serra i Curtichs, addressed issues such as the opportunity represented by the medical prescription of physical activity recently approved by the Government of Catalonia. Likewise, experts discussed the future inclusion of university sport in the forthcoming Sports Law.
Another key point of the discussion was the scientific evidence linking physical activity to improved academic performance among students.
“For well-rounded human beings to exist, it is important for sport to be integrated into the university curriculum. This concept comes from Olympism and, as Pierre de Coubertin said, university students will not be complete until their studies are combined with sports practice.”
— Emilio Fernández Peña, director of CEO
This reflection on the future comes at a time of consolidation for SAF, which is celebrating 40 years as a benchmark, with 10,000 subscribers and sustainable facilities covering 30,000 square metres.
The service, a pioneer in programmes such as Tutoresport for elite athletes, will conclude its programme of events in May with the presentation of a study on the impact of sport on campus.
The anniversary reaffirms the University’s commitment to a model in which sports management and research work hand in hand to address today’s social challenges.
Physical Activity and Sport in the University of the Future: Challenges, Opportunities and Social Impact
The round table was broadcast live on the UAB’s Youtube channel
