The 2012 SJSU Staff Olympics kicked off in July with an Opening Ceremony and march around campus. It was followed by three events: bowling, croquet, and volleyball. Departments formed teams and competed against each other in an Olympic style competition. Our own HR volleyball team, Serves You Right, proudly won the bronze medal in volleyball. The timing of the London Olympic games heightened the excitement surrounding our games. Almost 250 staff and student assistants representing each division on campus participated in the events. In August we celebrated the SJSU Staff Olympic games and awarded the department winners at the Closing Ceremony. President Qayoumi presented the overall department gold medal to Athletics, the silver medal to FD&O and the bronze medal to Associated Students.

 The SJSU Staff Olympics is a proud tradition at San Jose State. It was run by the Student Union from 1984 to 2000. The Human Resources Wellness Program decided to bring it back last year. We have received extremely positive feedback about the event. Not only does it promote wellness by encouraging employees to be physically active, it also inspires Spartan Pride and supports a sense of community on campus. Below is a testimonial from a participant.

 “Besides helping motivate me on some personal physical activity goals, this program has been tremendous in the following ways to our entire department:

·  Creating a greater sense of a team environment at the work place,

·  Providing networking opportunities amongst colleagues through a fun and engaging atmosphere that staff may not otherwise create on their own,

·  And lastly, but just as important and stated by others already, encouraging self-health awareness and healthy living with the support of others.”

-Ezequiel Cothran, Academic Technology