Continuing its pursuit to become one of the best universities in Ethiopia, Arba Minch University’s Sports Academy (AMUSA) has installed two new fully-equipped Gymnasiums at the Main and Nechsar Campuses on Dec 6, 2014.Click here to see the pictures.

At the outset, AMU top officials including Vice Presidents, deans, directors and others paid a visit to the Under-15 soccer project children (boys), displaying soccer skills on the Stadium.
AMUSA Director, Dr Chombe, apprised the officials about ongoing sports projects i.e. Under-15 Soccer Project in Arba Minch Town and Athletics (Under-18) Project which will be implemented in ‘Bonke’ and ‘Chencha’ woredas and selection of children will start soon.
Community Service and Research Vice President, Dr Guchie Gulie, inaugurating the well-equipped gymnasiums said, ‘‘Ours is the second university in the country to have such an amazing sporting infrastructure. By establishing such well-equipped Gyms, we have set the precedent. It will not only spur competitive spirit amongst other universities but also encourage sportspersons to climb high in their pursuit thus catapulting Ethiopia on the world canvas.’’
Lauding the Sports Academy, he averred, it’s the results of our last Sports Festival held in AMU as Ethiopian Government had provided adequate financial support for the same. And, I am sure; this infrastructure would strengthen our community service & research initiatives. These facilities are laboratories for Sports Academy to experiment and achieve the desired goal of the university.’’
At the Main Campus, Sports Academy, in its big hall beside the Stadium has 20 Aerobic Step benches and exercise mats for the group exercise. One fully furnished workout suit has 4 Leg Press Machines, 2 Bench Press machines, many Medicine balls, dumbbells, Optimum Multiple Chest Press Machine, chest-incline-shoulder press, leg extension and curl machines, 4 treadmills and 6 bikes. Similar facilities have been installed at Nechsar Campus.
Dr Chombe, on the occasion, said, ‘‘Keeping in view the vision and goal of the university, presently we have installed these facilities at two campus; but in future remaining campuses may also have fully-equipped gyms. Six technical assistants have been recruited to manage the two gyms and AMU Senate has already approved Sports Facilities Use Manual.’’
The registration for those interested to use Gyms including students, local and expatriates staff and community members will start the moment brochure containing information on the use of sports facilities, rules & regulations and fee structure is ready.
Vice President for Administration and Development, Dr Yechale, termed it very appropriate step by the Sports Academy that will enable AMU community to lead a healthy life. He said, ‘‘Of the sanctioned sum of ETB 8.5 million, we have purchased advanced fitness equipments worth ETB 5 million and soon other required equipments would be brought.’’
Institute of Technology’s Managing Director, Dr Alemayehu Chufamo, elated to have such facilities said, ‘‘Gym will serve as the place where entire AMU community can get distressed after strenuous academic and administrative work schedule.’’
These gymnasiums are open for all university students, staff members including local and expatriate staff to work-out by paying fees. All private and public individuals willing to use these facilities will have to pay fees decided by the Sports Academy, Dr Chombe, informed.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)