Ann Brown AUT University (Wednesday, mHealth Workshop)

1. Using technology to get people moving
Ann Brown

3. Kit in a Bag

4. Free2Move Incubation Model
A real-world, sustainable research laboratory
across a range of disciplines for
staff, postgraduates, and undergraduates in
which new event and business models and
technological innovations can be incubated.
FreeMove Concept

5. Central Philosophy
Regular physical activity benefits the health and
well being of individuals, their families and their
communities.
Engaging in barrier-free events may encourage
inactive people to form regular exercise habits.

6. Teaching & Industry Engagement
BCIS
Management
Students PA & Health
& Health
Communications
Programme
Design & Community & Health
Society Promotion
Construction Evaluation
RFID BSR
Development Health Industry Lifestyle
Promotion Diseases
Placement
Students
Web Food, Nutriti
Development on &
Legal Issues Community
Health
R & D Project Event Leadership
Management Financial
Management

8. Free2Move Events
 Community-based FREE 2.5 to 5k walk/run event
 Wellness, participation and sustainability as key
objectives
 Growth is organic. Where communities wish to
instigate an event, the Free2Move organisation
assists. No events are imposed on communities.
 Volunteer driven
 Financially
supported by brand-fit sponsors for
sustainable operational delivery

10. Free2Move Events
Operating costs of events are minimized.
 Communications and results are digital
 Volunteer crew
 No race bibs & heavy equipment required
 Partner/sponsor covers the cost of portable equipment
Barriers to participation minimised
 Once-only registration
 Free to all participants
 Rewards based on participation, not winning
 Locally accessible venues
 Simple courses
 Same day & time every week

12. Free2Move Event Model
 Central Support Team
 Free of bureaucracy; ease of contact
 Website & results maintenance
 Equipment & Rewards management
 Mentors
 Volunteers
 Local leaders; trained & supported
 Minimum tasks & responsibilities
 Low Cost Promotion
 Communications and results are digital
 Local newspaper articles – human interest stories
 Posters in supermarkets, schools, libraries, churches
 Community group engagement & word of mouth

13. Event Delivery - Feasibility Study
 Software & Technology – field testing R
 Site evaluations R
 Community Profiles R
 Forging Community Alliances & Partnerships R
 Creating Operational templates R
 Securing sponsors
 Creating volunteer pools
 Transitioning ownership
 Future expansion

14. Event Geek?
or
Vodafone Ninja?

15. What have we learned?
 Concept is welcomed – adds pressure for great product
 Partnerships critical – organisations & people
 Participants like the simplicity
 Challenges of pre-registration
 Student enthusiasm vs maturity
 Techno-geek and sports-geeks
 Communications & sharing
 Future ambassadors
 Comprehending demands for system & website
development vs required event & research outputs

16. A world of new opportunities
 Commodore 64 to Samsung Galaxy
 Sport for all to sport for all health programmes
 Our Vision
 Free community run/walks in every neighbourhood
 Trail markers around Auckland & beyond
 Buddies & Android application
 Corporate lunchtime health walks
 School lunchtime activities
 Organised events using the technology – not just in the
sport & recreation industry