The Montclarion ? Blog Archive ? Campus Rec Hosts Zumbathon for ...

- By Levon Seyers, Staff Writer?

Last Wednesday, close to 50 men and women put some serious pep in their step as Campus Recreation held a ?Zumbathon? in order to raise money and awareness about melanoma, a rare and often terminal cancer of the skin. During the hour-long event in which loud music, dancing and laughter permeated throughout the gymnasium, over $600 was raised, once again illustrating the selfless type of care and support those affiliated with Montclair State University are willing to put forth toward noble causes.

?Zumba,? is a fitness program designed by Alberto Perez during the 1990s that allows for the mixture of dance and aerobic elements. From hip hop to belly dancing, it seems that forms of exercise during this activity are limited only to the instructor?s imagination, which can often explain the subsequent soreness in those that attend.

Though these classes typically consist of females, many males were also trying their hands during the Zumbathon, for which many of them have a newfound respect. Matthew Vecchi, Senior and Area Supervisor of Intramural Sports at Campus Recreation talked about his experience. ?I thought it was very upbeat and fun. The instructor did a great job in keeping everyone together and making the routine simple enough so that everyone could keep up. It?s a lot harder than I expected, and I have respect for Zumba instructors and those that attend Zumba on a regular basis.? Kelly Hammer also commented on the challenges that were presented physically during the Zumbathon. ?I?ve ?Zumba?ed? in the past, but never for that long. It was pretty challenging.? When asked what she thought of men participating in the Zumbathon, Ms. Hammer noted, ?It was great that so many different people came together to participate in the fundraiser. Seeing a bunch of guys out there ?Zumba?ing? was extremely entertaining.?

Dominique Gleason, Senior and Area Supervisor of Fitness Programs at Campus Recreation, thought that it was uplifting to see such a diverse response to the fundraiser, including the male participants. ?I thought it was great that guys came out. It is really awesome to see diversity in our programs because that is our main goal.? Gleason, who did most of the preparation for the work, commented on the work involved for the event, ?The fitness coordinator Jared Utterback really was a huge help during the process. Also the lead instructor of the event Sam Melia also helped to organize the event. I booked the facility for the event, sending out fliers, and helping out where I could with setting up.?

Melanoma causes the most deaths among types of skin cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, a group formed by the United Nations dealing with international public health, 48,000 melanoma-related fatalities occur every year worldwide. As a result, families are often left devastated and nonplussed in dealing with the aftermath and trying to continue on with their lives. By bringing about awareness of such diseases, even at an event like Campus Recreation?s Zumbathon, it invites the possibility for change, which in return provides a vast amount of hope for those currently in that struggle.

Gleason, who did most of the preparation for the work said, ?The fitness coordinator Jared Utterback really was a huge help during the process. The lead instructor of the event, Sam Melia, also helped to organize the event as well. I booked the facility for the event, sending out fliers and helping out where I could with setting up.?

Melanoma causes the most deaths among skin cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 48,000 melanoma-related fatalities occur every year worldwide. As a result, families are often left devastated and nonplussed in dealing with the aftermath and trying to continue their lives. By bringing about awareness of such diseases, even at an event like Campus Recreation?s Zumbathon, it invites the possibility for change which in return provides a vast amount of hope for those currently in that struggle.

Source: http://www.themontclarion.org/archives/3747547

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