A man is seen in swim trunks and no shirt. He is walking on a slack line, over a pool, while holding another line above his head.

February 08, 2024

SIU’s Rec Center offering Free Friend Day, special activities on Feb. 22

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Recreational Sports and Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association on Feb. 22 with a host of special activities, including a Free Friend Day.

That day, any recreation center member or SIU student can bring a friend with them to the center free of charge. Organizers say it’s a fitting way to celebrate campus recreation and remember the vision of William Wasson and his colleagues when they established NIRSA and held the first conference in celebration of health, activity, competition and inclusivity.

Check out array of activities

Rec center visitors can enjoy a wide variety of special activities as well. Many are scheduled during the evening hours.

A slackline over the pool will offer the chance to try walking over water on a rope. There will also be a pull-up bar competition, group fitness classes and indoor climbing wall activities with Base Camp, as well as intramural spikeball, bags and teqball tournaments. Students can get free fitness assessments; email Sydney.devine@siu.edu to schedule a time.

Participants can enjoy free fruit and granola bars, and a limited number of free T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about Recreational Sports and Services, visit the website, email reccntr@siu.edu or call 618-453-1277.