what is an intramural program

An intramural program is a recreational sports program organized within a particular institution, usually an educational institution, for the purpose of fun, exercise, and competition among students and teachers. Intramural sports are different from intercollegiate sports, which are contests between different institutions. Intramural programs are usually organized on college campuses to promote competition and fun among the students and teachers, and to promote wellness and allow students who do not compete on a national level an opportunity to be active. Intramural programs can include a variety of sports leagues, tournaments, and competitions that take place within a single university, and can be categorized by different types of activities. The primary reason for participation in intramural programs is enjoyment of the activities rather than pressure to compete and win, as in athletic competition. Intramural programs provide opportunities for students to enjoy participation and personal success, strive for personal bests, make commitments, set goals, and follow through with responsibilities, participate in a safe environment and under the direction of knowledgeable, caring and trained personnel, develop creativity and provide opportunities to generate games, and broaden their fitness and leisure horizons. Intramural programs and activity clubs allow students to experience a variety of physical activity and games that will contribute to an active and healthy lifestyle without the competitiveness that comes with traditional team sports.