Move Memorial Challenge

It’s time to Move, Memorial! 

The participaACTION Community Challenge kicks off on June 1, encouraging everyone in Canada to get active throughout the month of June. In support of participACTION, the Department of Human Resources and the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre are challenging Memorial employees and students to get active together!  

The challenge starts on June 1 and ends June 30. Working with a team of up to six people, the goal is to complete 1.44 million steps. This works out to an average of 8,000 steps per team member (on a six-person team), per day. 

Participants interested in posting pictures on social media can use #MoveMemorial.

Register Today!

Rules

  • You must register your team on the Big Team Challenge website or app before June 1 to participate – see below for details on how to register. 
  • Challenge must be completed between June 1 and June 30. 
  • Maximum of six participants per team for a team challenge. 
  • Participants can complete the challenge with two to six people.  

Prizes

All teams will be entered into a prize drawing (valued at over $300) and there will be opportunities throughout the challenge for your team to earn extra entries into the prize drawing. 

Two additional awards will be given out at the end of the challenge. These additional awards will go to: 

  • The team who logs the most steps and 
  • The team who most improves 
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I log my steps?

Steps can be manually entered or you can sync up your smart device so it automatically is entered. Watch this video to learn more about tracking your steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZOmRVNekYk  

What if I am doing an activity that is not tracked by steps?

From yard work to yoga, Big Team Challenge has you covered with their step conversion chart. Click here to convert your daily activities into step count: Step Conversion Chart  

What is Big Team Challenge and why are we using it?
  • Big Team Challenge has been operating since 2015, enabling organizations around the world the ability to run private exercise and activity challenges as seamless as possible. With Big Team Challenge, you will be able to create or join a team, sync your steps with smart devices such as Fitbit and Garmin, earn awards and achievements, track your progress along a virtual route, and build a better active daily routine through friendly competition. Click here to learn more about Big Team Challenge: BTC - Introduction.indd 
  • Big Team Challenge is committed to reducing their carbon footprint and for every 10 active participants in our challenge, 1 tree is planted! Learn more here: Our Climate Impact Solution 
When does the challenge begin and end?

June 1 - 30, 2025

Who can be on my team?

Any faculty member, staff member or currently registered student. 

Can we exceed the challenge 1.44 million steps?

Yes, your steps will continue to be calculated until the end of the challenge on June 30.  

Can I be on multiple teams?

No.

Can a team join the challenge after June 1?

No, a team cannot join the challenge after June 1. 

I use a mobility device, such as a wheelchair. Can I still participate?

Absolutely! Sync your smart device with the Big Challenge app or manually input your kilometres into the website/app.  

Can I use any indoor cardio equipment to get my steps?

Yes.

What if the weather is not cooperating for me to go outside and I do not have any indoor equipment?
  • Participants of the challenge in the St. John’s area can use the track at The Works for free during the challenge period. 
  • Participants can walk inside their office, home, etc. 
  • The MUNnels at the St. John campus are great to walk! 
How can I get more active?
  • MELTS Volleyball: Every Friday at the Works from 12 –1 p.m., join your fellow colleagues in a noncompetitive game of volleyball. All levels welcome. You must have a membership at The Works to participate. Email John to sign up at john.stamp@mun.ca  
  • MELTS Ultimate Frisbee: Every Tuesday at Churchill Park from 12-1 p.m., join your fellow colleagues in a noncompetitive game of ultimate frisbee. All levels welcome. Email Lindsay to sign up at lindsayog@mun.ca  
  • MELTS Virtual Mindfulness: Every Friday from 12-1 p.m. join colleagues in a guided sitting and walking meditation session. No meditation experience is necessary. Email Carolyn to sign up at carolynw@mun.ca 
  • Free Swims: H.G.R. Mews Community Centre; Friday, June 13 from 7 to 7:50 p.m. Paul Reynolds Community Centre; Saturday, June 14 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Click here to learn more.