Dundalk IT staff and students step up for annual ‘Fittest’ Challenge

Over four weeks of friendly competition, Dundalk IT staff and students came together to go the extra mile in this year’s DkIT’s Fittest, showcasing teamwork and determination in the race for the title.

Following on from last year’s success, this year’s challenge saw a total of over 48 million steps logged across 28 teams. 

Organised by the Health and Physical Activity Programme (HPA) team from the School of Health and Science, staff and students were encouraged to form teams and log their daily steps over a four-week period. The top three teams logged an average of well over half a million steps throughout the challenge, with a further five teams clocking an average of just under 500,000 steps. 

Dr. Sinéad O’Connor, HPA lecturer and one of the challenge organisers said:

“It was fantastic to see so many eager participants taking part in our second annual DkIT’s Fittest Challenge. With almost 180 participants across 28 teams, it was a great opportunity for both staff and students to step out and challenge themselves over the four-week period. The positive feedback and benefits reported by so many participants really makes hosting this challenge so rewarding. “

Sharon Courtney and Ciaran Sloane joined four of last year’s winners Enda Fields, Lorraine Dunne, Colin Cooney and Aoibheann Fields to take this year’s winning title for team ‘One Step Ahead’, representing the School of Business & Humanities.

Speaking about the challenge Ciaran said: “DKIT’s Fittest was a very enjoyable and well-organised event. It encouraged me to monitor my daily activity levels and motivated me to be more active. Being part of a team added extra drive, as everyone pushed each other to reach our step goals and stay engaged throughout the challenge.”

They were closely followed by representatives from the School of Health and Science, and team 'Step by Step (And Stop for Snacks)', comprising of Ann Everitt-Reynolds, Joe Treacy, John Reid, Madeline Colwell and Liz Murphy.

Taking the third position were PhD students, team ‘PowerPuff Girls', made up of Provia Kadusabe, Mugdha Srivastava and Asifa Mehmood Qureshi.

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Speaking about the challenge, a representative from the team said: “DKIT’s Fittest was a fantastic initiative that encouraged computer scientists like us to step away from our desks and get moving. While we’ve been doing lunch walks for quite some time, this competition pushed us to go a bit further—especially on those lazy weekends. The drive to win, combined with the health benefits, kept us motivated throughout."

To celebrate the success of the challenge, a prize-giving ceremony took place. Prizes were awarded to teams placed 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd and to “DkIT’s Fittest” School/ Function, and all teams that completed the four weeks of the challenge were entered into a draw, with one team randomly selected for a prize for “active participation.” 

1^st prize – A €50 One4all gift card for each team member. Team: ‘One Step Ahead’ - School of Business & Humanities

Cumulative step total: 639,316

2^nd prize – One-month FREE membership of Sean Kilroy Fitness (Drogheda OR Dundalk premises). Team: Step by Step (And Stop for Snacks)- School of Health & Science

Cumulative step total: 587197

3^rd prize – A course of 6 pilates classes with Noleen Gregory for each team member. Team: The PowerPuff Girls- School of Informatics & Creative Arts                                                     

Cumulative step total: 531,037

“DkITs Fittest” School/ Functional Area – A commemorative plaque for “DkITs Fittest” School/ Functional Area. Winner: School of Business & Humanities