College campuses have long been incubators for innovation, leadership, and social change, especially when it comes to sustainability. When the SportsArt Campus Challenge launched in its first year, it built on the passion students, sustainability leaders, and university professionals already had for creating meaningful change across their communities.
Ruben Mejia, Executive Vice President of SportsArt Americas, recalls what sparked the idea behind the Campus Challenge, saying âStudents. We were getting all kinds of inquiries from students asking about our equipment, how much it cost, and what the impact was.â
Now in its third year, the Campus Challenge has continued to grow in direct response to student interest and feedback from campus recreation administrators. Itâs simpler than ever for campuses to participate, while expanding opportunities for both rec centers and sustainability-focused student organizations to power change forward.
What is the Campus Challenge?
The SportsArt Campus Challenge is an initiative spanning the United States and Canada meant to inspire change and build upon SportsArtâs mission to power a movementâone workout at a time.
The Campus Challenge Sweepstakes gives students and campus recreation administrators the opportunity to win energy-generating ECO-POWR⢠cardio equipment for their schoolâs rec center. With three prize packages totaling $145,000, qualifying applicants have a chance to win either five ECO-POWR⢠Treadmills, three ECO-POWR⢠Steppers, or three ECO-POWR⢠Rowers. Entry takes less than 30 seconds and requires only your name, institution, email, and campus affiliation.
The Campus Challenge Grant Contest evolved from students having a vision for campus sustainability, but the lack of funding to make it happen. To celebrate and support those who go beyond the ordinary, inspire change and say âChallenge, Acceptedâ, the Grant Contest was formed. Sustainability-minded students and on-campus organizations can apply for monetary grants to bring eco-focused initiatives to life. Three grantsâvalued at $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500âwill be awarded. Applicants briefly describe their organization and how they would use the funding to drive sustainability on campus. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges and evaluated based on potential impact, feasibility, and effective use of funds. As an added benefit, all grant applicants are automatically entered into the sweepstakes!
Together, these two paths allow campuses and their student bodies to address their carbon footprints from multiple angles and accept the challenge to live more sustainably.
Why Campus Rec Matters More Than Ever
Campus recreation centers remain a hub for student engagement and overall wellbeing. By integrating energy-generating cardio equipment into rec facilities, universities can meet sustainability goals, wellness initiatives, and allow students to see every stride, pedal, and row turned into usable electricity.
This connection between personal wellness and environmental impact resonates strongly with todayâs students, who increasingly expect their institutions to align with their values. Past Campus Challenge winners have seen firsthand how ECO-POWR⢠equipment can spark conversations and shift perspectives around sustainability:
Hailey Cronin, Pearl River Community College: âIt's not just about winning, it's about spreading awareness and starting conversations, building pride in your school, and showing your community that students can drive real change.â
Samantha Comas, Lafayette College: "This equipment is highly visible and innovative⌠it helps them [students] achieve their goals and the sustainable goals of the college."
Paxton Battiste, University of South Alabama: âI believe our campus is moving towards a more sustainable environment for students. We've placed more outdoor solar panels and water fill stations. I definitely see this as a spark of a conversation that will continue to grow."â
Your Campus Could be Next
With the Campus Challenge already underway and entry open through February 15, 2026, now is the ideal time for students and campus recreation teams to participate. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your facility in more ways than one, because when students lead, change follows.
Rethink whatâs possible when fitness, sustainability, and student leadership come together. With simple entry, real funding opportunities, and proven impact, this is more than a promotionâitâs a platform for change.
Enter or apply today. Because creating change takes more than ideasâit takes action.
To learn more or enter, visit https://bit.ly/4pmTt1f