What is Walk for Joy?
Walk for Joy (formerly known as Walkabout) is an annual 9-week walking challenge that strives to promote regular physical activity in social settings. It was designed and launched in 2005 by the late Dr. Joy Butler of the UBC Faculty of Education, and it is a partnership initiative with UBC Recreation and UBC Human Resources. A few years ago, the name of the program was changed from its original “Walkabout” to commemorate Dr. Butler.
Participants in this annual challenge will track their daily steps for 9 weeks — all forms of physical activity count! Numerous community partners provide prizes for Walk for Joy participants and those who complete extra challenges, so don’t miss out!
Walk for Joy is open to all UBC students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Program Details
Vote for your favourite team photo here!
2024 Dates
Walk for Joy will run from February 5 – April 7, 2024.
Registration
Registration for 2024 is now CLOSED.
View registration information.
Important Dates
Kick-Off Event: Wednesday, January 31 at 12:00PM
- Location: Neville Scarfe Building, Room 310 (2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4)
- Format: In-person or Virtual (Zoom link to be sent closer to the date)
- Zoom Link: Here
- Recording: Here
Registration Deadline: Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11:59PM
Awards Celebration: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00PM
- Location: Marine Drive Ballroom (2205 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4)
- Zoom Link here
New this Year
- This year’s charitable beneficiary will be the Rainbow Refugee. Donation information will be listed in January, and we’ll provide that during the registration process.
- Opening and closing ceremonies will be in-person. Upon registration, you will be sent more information about the opening ceremony.
- Participant referrals – this year, registrants will have the option to state who referred them to Walk for Joy. For each time a participant’s name is mentioned, they will be entered to win a special Move UBC prize pack. Want more chances at winning a prize? Encourage more colleagues to sign up!
Questions?
For any questions or concerns, please contact physical.activity@ubc.ca.
Testimonials
” This is my first winter with the library. The walkabout has had a really positive impact on my well-being and physical health. I have enjoyed many walks with people who I barely knew before the walkabout. These people have helped brighten the otherwise dreary Vancouver winter months.”
–UBC Library
“What a great way to start off the new year! Often we get into the habit of sitting at our desks all day and the Walkabout Program has been that extra motivation that helps me break this vicious cycle. Going for walks help me manage my stress and holding walking meetings has been a great way to get steps in while still being productive.”
–Barbara Hsiao, Director, HR & Administration, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
“THANK YOU for creating the Walkabout. It’s more important to me than I sometimes realize… I am grateful to be a part of this program, that you, in your wisdom and vision, offered to UBC and beyond its gates to a wider community. So big thanks, Joy Butler, and hugs for this gift. You rock!”
–Pat Hogan, community participant
Partners:
