Clemson Provost Helms proclaims Tuesday ‘Play Day’

Published: February 18, 2013

CLEMSON — The U.S. Play Coalition’s Conference on the Value of Play kicked off Sunday at Clemson University's Madren Conference Center with the theme “The Value of Play: Taking Action.” 

That inspired Provost Dori Helms to sign a proclamation that encourages Clemson students, faculty and staff to take some time to play Tuesday.

Fran Mainella, a visiting scholar in the parks, recreation and tourism management department is co-chairwoman of the U.S. Play Coalition. She said many people have the wrong idea about play.

“People think it’s a waste of time,” Mainella said. “The fact of the matter is, it may save time… time in doctors’ offices and time away from work due to illness.”

Mainella said research shows, “We improve our health and become more focused on the job when we make time to play and that can mean doing something as simple as taking a 10 to 15 minute walk on campus, dancing at Fike or throwing a Frisbee with friends on Bowman Field.”

Presenters and participants at this year’s conference will address the benefits of play. They also will share research on how the lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of America’s obesity epidemic.

Learn more about the US Play Coalition and the Conference on the Value of Play: Taking Action at http://usplaycoalition.clemson.edu/.

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