Move Memorial Challenge: A Campus-Wide Journey of Connection and Momentum
Throughout the month of June, something remarkable took place across Memorial University.
The Move Memorial Challenge brought together students, faculty and staff from across campuses in a shared invitation to move more, connect more and support well-being in everyday ways. While not everyone participated directly, the challenge had ripple effects within the university community by sparking conversations, encouraging movement and building a shared sense of energy.
From walking meetings and lunchtime strolls to stair climbs and team check-ins, the challenge highlighted something simple but powerful: movement becomes more meaningful when it’s shared.
In teams of six, participants travelled virtually from Cape Pine to Cape Chidley, a 1,150 km journey, proving that small, consistent actions, when done collectively, can build real momentum.
Community Effort Worth Celebrating
This year’s challenge included:
- 872 participants across 153 teams
- Representation from students, faculty and staff across all campuses
- Thousands of kilometres logged through movement and activity
While the numbers are impressive, the real impact showed up in the everyday moments: a colleague inviting a teammate for a walk, a student encouraging their group chat to keep going or someone choosing to move a little more because their team was counting on them.
That spirit of encouragement is what defined this challenge.
Recognition and Awards
A special congratulations goes out to the teams and individuals recognized this year for their creativity, consistency and momentum.
Move Milestone Raffle Prize
Team MUNSTRS (Memorial Ultimate Network of Striders)
Top 10 Finisher Raffle Prize
Team Walk Maxxing
Best Team Name
Cirque du Sore Legs
Most Momentum
Step Sisters
Top Individual Stepper
Dr. Christine Aubrey-Bassler
A huge shoutout as well to our Top 10 Finishing Teams:
- Steps & the City
- FM Run Club
- Walk Maxxing
- Fast & the Curious
- Happy Feet 2026
- Salt Walker Joys
- GeoPol Pacers
- Premature Acceleration
- GaitKeepers 1
- Notorious E.N.G.
From clever team names to steady consistency over 30 days, this year’s challenge brought plenty of personality, humour and determination.
More Than a Challenge
At its heart, Move Memorial wasn’t about competition or distance. It was about connection.
It was about finding small ways to move more during busy days. It was about encouragement, both given and received. And it was about creating shared momentum across campuses and roles.
Even for those who didn’t participate directly, the energy of the challenge was felt in hallways, meetings, classrooms and offices across Memorial.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s Move Memorial Challenge shows what’s possible when we come together with a shared focus on well-being and connection.
Next year, we hope to build on this momentum, welcoming even more participants, more teams and more opportunities to move together.
Until then, keep going: take the walk, choose a longer route, invite someone along and keep building those small moments of movement into your day.
Because when we move together, we go further—one step at a time.
The Move Memorial Step Challenge is an annual joint initiative between People and Culture and the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre.